CES Governor Forms Special Committee to Regulate Artisanal Mining Activities
By Patricia John
The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, has issued a gubernatorial decree establishing a special state committee to regulate and oversee artisanal mining activities across the state.
The decree, issued in Juba, comes in response to growing concerns over unregulated mining operations in several parts of Central Equatoria. It is anchored in Article 99 (2)(a) of the Transitional Constitution of Central Equatoria State (2012, as amended), which grants the governor authority to take such measures.
The newly formed committee comprises representatives from key government institutions and security agencies to ensure effective coordination and enforcement. It will be chaired by the State Minister of Trade and Industry, with the Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development serving as Deputy Chairperson. The Commissioner General of the State Mining Authority will act as Secretary.
Other members include representatives from the Juba Special Economic Zone, the State Revenue Authority, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the National Security Service, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Juba County.
According to the decree, the committee is tasked with assessing ongoing artisanal mining activities, developing regulatory strategies for both companies and individuals, and formulating clear guidelines governing mining operations and mineral marketing.
The committee will also ensure compliance with established regulations, submit a comprehensive report to the state government within 30 days, and provide weekly progress updates. Additionally, it is mandated to work closely with security agencies, including military intelligence, to strengthen oversight mechanisms.
In a related development, Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony also appointed county security coordinators for Kajo-Keji and Juba counties as part of broader efforts to enhance local governance and security.
The establishment of the committee underscores the state government’s commitment to promoting order, accountability, and sustainable management in the artisanal mining sector—an increasingly important source of livelihood for many communities, despite remaining largely informal and unregulated.
