A surge of unemployed young people in South Darfur has turned to artisanal mining as a means of survival, with many heading to mining areas in search of job opportunities. Witnesses report that the Solba mine, near Nyala, the state capital, has experienced an influx of miners due to increased gold extraction activities.
Aziz al-Din Abakar, a worker at the site, stated that over 2,000 people are now engaged in different mining-related activities, including rock extraction, washing, and refining gold. He highlighted that the industry has become a vital source of employment for young people struggling with economic hardship.
In addition to mining, the boom has stimulated local businesses, with traders purchasing gold directly from miners. This has led to the growth of support services such as restaurants, entertainment hubs, medical clinics, and even Starlink access points, making the mine a thriving economic zone.
Mohammed Ishaq, another miner, revealed that local authorities and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) impose various security fees and monthly taxes. Small-scale miners pay approximately 1,000 Sudanese pounds, while larger operations face charges of up to 100,000 pounds.
Mining activities are conducted in shifts, with each shift comprising 21 workers. A single shift can produce around 30 grams of gold, which sells for approximately 17 million Sudanese pounds per gram. This means that each worker can earn up to 200,000 pounds or more, depending on the day’s output.
A government employee confirmed that the mine operates under the supervision of local authorities in coordination with the RSF. He added that gold sales are managed through intermediaries linked to the RSF, who facilitate transportation of the gold to Nyala.
As economic difficulties persist, artisanal mining continues to serve as a critical lifeline for many in South Darfur, despite the challenges associated with security and taxation.
