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Review of Enough Project report: The Criminalization of South Sudan's Gold Sector.
Despite the catchy words but the report highlighted important aspects of artisanal gold mining in Kapoeta. Starting from governing to prices of gold to illegal operations.
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Review of Enough Project report: The Criminalization of South Sudan's Gold Sector.
Despite the catchy words but the report highlighted important aspects of artisanal gold mining in Kapoeta. Starting from governing to prices of gold to illegal operations.
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If there is anything #SouthSudan mining sector did it right it will be:
1) Mining Act, 2012
2) Adaptation of the mining cadastre system.
the first gives us a strong tool to amends the wrong, and the latter gives us a strong foundation for transparency.
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1) Mining Act, 2012
2) Adaptation of the mining cadastre system.
the first gives us a strong tool to amends the wrong, and the latter gives us a strong foundation for transparency.
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The Mining Act took hard lessons learned from the global mining industry and build a legal framework that is adequate to address challenges and mend shortcomings.
However, due to non-compliance with the laws®ulations. We have intentionally turned a blessing to curse.
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However, due to non-compliance with the laws®ulations. We have intentionally turned a blessing to curse.
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The inadequacy of the artisanal mining license is one of the shortcomings that must be amended.
The positive side is the Ministry of Mining is already working on amending the provisions of the artisanal mining licenses.
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The positive side is the Ministry of Mining is already working on amending the provisions of the artisanal mining licenses.
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The environmental impacts of artisanal gold mining are insignificant. Comparing to safety and health issues associated.
The use of mercury is not a common practice among artisanal miners but lately, it has become a DANGEROUS trend that must be ceased.
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The use of mercury is not a common practice among artisanal miners but lately, it has become a DANGEROUS trend that must be ceased.
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Base on my experience, I found out the traditional authorities' resistance is the result of misinformation or lack of. The moment we set with the communities and sensitise them on the aspects of mining. Most of the mistrust turn to questions that require answers.
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When those questions answered. The communities turn from a hostile to a friendly approach. The absence of adequate information about mining is what created this mistrust!
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There is no disagreement between the national government and state authority on the management of the artisanal mining but the absence of cooperation is what made the matter worse.
Let me elaborate;
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Let me elaborate;
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Artisanal mining under the sole control of the state authority according to the Mining Act. The national government (Ministry of Mining) has no power overpass state authority on a matter related to artisanal mining but can only provide technical assistance.
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Ideally, state authorities supposed to develop a legal framework to regulate the activity of the artisanal miners.
The process of developing the regulations should include all stakeholders: State Authorities, Communities, and miners, traders, civil society.
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The process of developing the regulations should include all stakeholders: State Authorities, Communities, and miners, traders, civil society.
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With the assistance of the national Ministry of Mining. Each state supposed to develop a legal framework that regulates artisanal mining activity within its territory.
However, that hasn't been done which created the current legal void and technical gap.
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However, that hasn't been done which created the current legal void and technical gap.
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All the mining sites I visited have one thing in common; communities have a strong attachment to those sites. It's not just about resources for them but more of a traditional sense of ownership.
Such attachment most of the time leads to strong grievance when unjust happen.
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Such attachment most of the time leads to strong grievance when unjust happen.
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Local communities always feel endanger by companies coming to their areas. I do not blame though, mining is wildly known for its inhuman treatment and dubious deals.
The fact our communities are largely illiterate and easily to be manipulated is exasperating the matter.
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The fact our communities are largely illiterate and easily to be manipulated is exasperating the matter.
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This's where the role of civil society is crucial. The local communities will need a strong partner to balance the scale. That partner is civil society!
Civil society must engage the authority, players and advocate for sustainable development of the sector.
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Civil society must engage the authority, players and advocate for sustainable development of the sector.
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If South Sudan wants to do right by the gold artisanal mining sector and curb the existence of black market gold treading. It will need to study the model of Sudan and Ethiopia on the formalization of the sector.
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These 3 recommendations below are somethings South Sudan mining sector can do and should do.
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Lastly, Kapoeta is Achilles heels in the South Sudan mining sector. To reverse engineering the wrongdoing happening in the area it will require political will to the right thing.
It won't be an easy battle but it worth the fight.
The report is worth the read.
End!
It won't be an easy battle but it worth the fight.
The report is worth the read.
End!
