Khartoum: As Sudan’s devastating civil war continues to destroy lives and communities, thousands of desperate civilians are turning to gold mining as a way to survive. But while the industry is helping families earn money in a collapsing economy, it is also deepening the country’s violence and humanitarian suffering.
A recent investigation by the Associated Press has revealed how informal gold mining has expanded rapidly across Sudan since fighting broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. With farms abandoned, businesses destroyed and jobs disappearing, many Sudanese people now depend on dangerous mining work to feed their families.
In northern parts of Sudan, miners spend long hours digging deep underground tunnels and pits with little safety equipment or government supervision. Workers often use mercury to separate gold from rocks, exposing themselves and nearby communities to toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Local residents say many miners are suffering from breathing difficulties, skin diseases and long term illnesses linked to chemical exposure.
Mine collapses have also become common. Earlier this year, several miners were killed after unstable tunnels gave way in remote mining regions. Survivors described terrifying scenes as workers became trapped underground with almost no rescue support available.
Gold has become one of Sudan’s most valuable resources since the country lost much of its oil income after South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Today, gold exports remain a major source of money in a country whose economy has nearly collapsed under war conditions. Sudan reportedly produced around 70 tons of gold in 2025, earning close to 1.8 billion dollars in official revenue.
However, experts believe much of Sudan’s gold trade happens outside official channels. Large amounts of gold are smuggled across borders or sold through hidden networks controlled by armed groups and businessmen connected to the war economy.
International analysts say both sides in the conflict are benefiting financially from the gold trade. Revenue from mining and smuggling is believed to help armed groups buy weapons, recruit fighters and continue military operations.
The Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, have long been linked to major gold mining areas, especially in Darfur. Political observers say access to gold wealth helped strengthen the RSF over the years and allowed it to grow into one of the country’s most powerful armed groups.
At the same time, Sudan’s military authorities are also accused of maintaining influence over parts of the gold industry. Researchers warn that control over natural resources has become one of the main reasons the conflict continues without a political solution.
The growing international concern over Sudan’s gold trade has also drawn attention to foreign connections. Sudan’s government has accused the United Arab Emirates of supporting networks linked to the RSF through gold business activities and financial channels. The UAE has denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, ordinary Sudanese civilians continue to suffer the most from the ongoing conflict. The United Nations describes Sudan as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes while famine conditions are spreading in several regions.
Aid organisations say more than 14 million people have been displaced since the war began, with many families struggling to find food, clean water and medical care. Hospitals and schools have been destroyed or shut down in several parts of the country.
Despite repeated international peace efforts, fighting continues in many regions. Analysts warn that as long as gold remains a source of military funding, ending the conflict may become even more difficult.
For many Sudanese families, gold mining now represents both hope for survival and a painful reminder of a war that continues to consume the nation.