Sudan and China Forge Strategic Partnership in Mineral Exploration and Technology

Tianjin: Minister of Minerals Nor-Al-Daim Mohamed Ahmed Taha discussed with the Vice Minister of Natural Resources of China and Head of the China Geological Survey, Xu Dacun, ways to strengthen and expand Sudanese-Chinese cooperation in geology, mining, and mineral exploration on the sidelines of the China Mining Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Tianjin.According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting, held at the Guest House in Tianjin in the presence of Sudan's Ambassador to China and a number of officials and experts from both sides, addressed prospects for developing institutional cooperation in the natural resources sector and opportunities to establish joint partnerships and programmes. The discussions focused on leveraging Sudan's considerable mineral potential and applying advanced Chinese expertise and technologies in geological surveying, exploration, and assessment.Minister Taha stressed the importance of elevating Sudanese-Chinese cooperation in the minerals sector to the level of a strategic part nership, highlighting China's advanced expertise and extensive technological capabilities in geology, mining, exploration, and the application of modern technologies. He said Sudan looks forward to benefiting from this expertise to develop its geological database, improve exploration and assessment capabilities, strengthen national capacity, and promote knowledge and technology transfer, thereby maximizing the economic value of mineral resources and making them a key driver of development and economic growth in Sudan.For his part, Xu Dacun underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between geological and mining institutions in the two countries. He commended Sudan's mineral potential and opportunities and affirmed China's readiness to work with Sudan on practical projects and programmes in geological surveying, exploration, research, training, and the exchange of expertise and technologies.During the meeting, the Chinese Vice Minister of Natural Resources put forward a number of proposals aim ed at advancing practical cooperation and strengthening partnerships between the relevant institutions in a manner that serves the shared interests of the two countries and promotes the effective use of their available capabilities.Following the meeting, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Sudanese Geological Research Authority and the China Geological Survey, marking an important institutional step toward expanding and better organizing geological cooperation between the two countries. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in geological surveying, mineral exploration, geological research and studies, data and expertise exchange, training and capacity building, and the development and use of modern technologies. It is expected to facilitate the implementation of joint programmes and projects with practical benefits for the mining sectors of both countries.The signing of the MoU forms part of Sudan's efforts to expand its international partnerships in the minerals sector and benefit from advanced international expertise and experience, particularly that of China, to develop its geological and mining sectors and enhance their technical and technological capabilities. The agreement also represents an important step toward transforming Sudan's substantial mineral resources into sustainable investment and development opportunities by improving exploration and geological assessment, developing the country's mineral database, and strengthening technology and knowledge transfer in a manner that serves the strategic interests of the Republic of Sudan and the People's Republic of China.The meeting and signing of the MoU reaffirm the two countries' commitment to advancing cooperation in natural resources and opening new avenues for Sudanese-Chinese partnership in mining, geology, and technology, thereby strengthening strategic relations between the two countries and supporting Sudan's efforts to achieve economic development and make optimal use of its natural reso urces.