Juba County establishes mining department amid growing concerns over illegal mining

(JUBA) Juba County has established a dedicated Mining Department to strengthen oversight of the growing mining sector following series of disputes and security concerns at artisanal mining sites, including the recent unrest at Kilipapa.

In a local order issued on Thursday, Juba County Commissioner Eng. Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia created the Mining Department under the Office of the Commissioner, stating that the new institution will regulate, supervise and coordinate mining activities across the county.

The department will be responsible for registering mining companies and cooperatives, enforcing compliance with mining laws, coordinating with the Central Equatoria State Mining Authority and other government institutions, and promoting responsible exploitation of mineral resources.

According to the order, the department will also oversee environmental protection measures, improve security around mining sites and ensure that local communities benefit from mineral development.

The commissioner said, the establishment of the department reflects County’s commitment to strengthening governance, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring that natural resources are managed in the public interest.

The move comes as artisanal gold mining continues to expand across parts of Juba County, where increased mineral discoveries have attracted thousands of miners, traders and investors.

Authorities have in recent months struggled to regulate mining activities in areas such as Kilipapa, where the rapid influx of miners has raised concerns over illegal operations, environmental degradation and security.

Mining has become an increasingly important source of livelihoods in Central Equatoria State as rising gold prices and limited employment opportunities push more young people into artisanal mining.