By Otto Abut
The Government of Central Equatoria State has launched the Central Equatoria State Mining Regulations 2026 and directed all individuals, companies, and organizations involved in mining activities to register with the State Mining Authority within 18 days.
Speaking during a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, State Minister of Information and Communication Nyarsuk Patrick James announced that registration will run from 6 July to 24 July 2026 at the offices of the Central Equatoria State Mining Authority, located opposite Buluk Eye Centre.
He said the registration is a crucial step to promote lawful, transparent, and responsible mining, protect the rights and safety of workers and host communities, and combat illegal mining activities across Central Equatoria State.
“The requirement applies to all mining operators, local organizations, companies, and individuals engaged in mineral exploration, trading, or any other mining-related activities within the state.” James said.
He noted that the exercise is also intended to improve accountability, strengthen revenue collection, and ensure mining contributes to better service delivery and economic development in Central Equatoria State.
The minister urged all prospective and existing miners to comply with the new regulations, warning that failure to register would constitute a violation of the state’s mining laws and regulations and would attract appropriate regulatory action.
James said technical experts from the Mining Authority would guide applicants through the registration process and provide information on the required documentation.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring mining is conducted transparently, responsibly, and sustainably while safeguarding communities, the environment, and state resources.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mawa Moses, who chaired the committee that drafted the regulations, said the document was prepared following the governor’s directive to establish a legal framework for regulating mining activities in the state.
He clarified that the Mining Regulations 2026 are an executive regulation rather than legislation enacted by parliament.
“A regulation is an act of the Executive signed by the responsible minister. Once signed, everyone carrying out mining activities in the state must comply with it,” Moses said.
He emphasized that the regulations apply to the extraction of all minerals, not only gold, and will guide licensing, registration, and the management of mining operations across the state.
Following the signing ceremony, the regulations were officially handed over to the Commissioner General of the Central Equatoria State Mining Authority for implementation.
The state government said the new framework is aimed at improving governance of the mining sector, protecting local communities, and ensuring that mining contributes meaningfully to the economy of Central Equatoria State and South Sudan.