A new gold refinery has officially opened in Juba, marking a significant step toward strengthening South Sudan’s mining sector through local processing and value addition.
The facility, launched by Black Rock Africa LTD under the Braxim Gold Refinery project, is expected to reduce reliance on raw mineral exports and increase the country’s ability to benefit directly from its natural resources.
Speaking at the launch, company officials described the refinery as a transformative investment aimed at reshaping the gold trade by promoting transparency, improving pricing systems, and curbing illegal mineral exports.
They said the project represents a shift toward building a more structured and accountable mining value chain.
The Director of Black Rock Africa LTD Gold Refinery, Gil Chagai Atem, said the initiative reflects a new direction for the sector, focused on local processing, job creation, and long-term economic growth.
“For years, we exported raw materials without maximizing their value. This refinery represents a new direction—one focused on job creation, fair pricing, and reducing illegal mineral trade,” he said.
Project partners also highlighted the broader economic vision behind the investment, including technology transfer, skills development, and strengthening local capacity to support sustainable growth in the mining industry.
The launch event brought together government officials, private sector stakeholders, political leaders, and representatives from various institutions. Discussions at the ceremony emphasized the role of the private sector in driving economic transformation and creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Officials said the refinery is expected to contribute to formalizing the gold sector, improving regulation, and increasing investor confidence in South Sudan’s extractive industries.
The project has been described by stakeholders as part of a wider effort to reposition the mining sector as a key pillar of economic recovery and national development.
