Minister of Minerals: Ariab Ready for Investment, Ministry Committed to Protecting Local Communities’ Rights

Ariab – Al-Raya Al-Youm
Sudan’s Minister of Minerals, Mr. Nour Al-Daem Taha, has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of local communities in Ariab, Red Sea State, stressing that no investment project will proceed without formal agreements that protect the interests of both the state and local residents, while making corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects an essential component of every investment.
Speaking before a large gathering of Ariab residents during the inauguration of the Bir Al-Ajam Hospital, the minister stated that the local community is the cornerstone of any successful investment process. He emphasized that genuine investment can only be achieved by providing essential public services, including education, healthcare, roads, clean drinking water, and electricity.
Taha explained that the Government of Sudan is the sole authority responsible for concluding investment agreements. He stressed that the Ministry of Minerals will not sign any investment contract until it has ensured that the rights of the local community are fully protected and that residents directly benefit from development revenues and corporate social responsibility projects in areas such as health, education, road infrastructure, and other essential services.
The minister noted that Ariab possesses substantial mineral resources that have been managed for many years without achieving their full economic potential. He said the next phase will focus on organizing the mining sector through companies operating under clear legal frameworks and transparent agreements that safeguard state interests, create a secure and attractive investment environment, and serve the interests of local citizens.
He added that the ministry’s priorities include increasing mineral production, enhancing the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy, and directing revenues from natural resources toward development projects and essential public services, free from tribal or regional considerations.
Taha reiterated the ministry’s rejection of any practices that marginalize citizens or undermine their rights, affirming that Sudan’s natural resources must be utilized for the benefit of the people through investments in electricity, water supply, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He called on the local community to become an active partner in the country’s development efforts by supporting investment projects and benefiting from them through youth training, capacity building, and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities that contribute to economic and social development.
Addressing investors, the Minister of Minerals affirmed that Ariab is now ready to receive new investments, adding that Sudan is working to provide a stable investment environment based on transparency, the rule of law, and mutually beneficial partnerships.