Russian mining companies are taking their activities in Africa to a new level. Following state-backed geological exploration, two private Russian companies have entered South Sudan. Aurora and Condor Gold are already working in areas of the Equatoria states, although public information remains limited: there are no disclosed license details, resource estimates, or confirmed production figures.
The companies’ presence was confirmed by Alexander Kosmodemiansky, Russia’s ambassador to South Sudan. According to him, operations are underway in Eastern Equatoria and Central Equatoria, areas where the state-owned Zarubezhgeologiya, part of the Rosgeo group, conducted exploration activities in 2025–2026. The company was the first to systematically assess the region’s mineral potential, laying the groundwork now being used by private investors.
The foundation for this cooperation was established several years ago. Rosgeo and South Sudan’s relevant ministry previously agreed to cooperate on the exploration, evaluation, and future development of solid mineral resources. Under the memorandum, the Russian side is also helping South Sudan develop a more effective system for managing its mineral resources.
According to the diplomat, South Sudanese authorities are open to expanding cooperation with Russian businesses. Their interests extend beyond mining to oil, energy, and mineral processing.
At this stage, however, the companies are only beginning operations rather than entering commercial-scale production. The duration of their permits, investment amounts, resource estimates, and—most importantly—actual production volumes have not been officially disclosed.
The arrival of private Russian companies in South Sudan represents a logical continuation of the country’s state-backed geological strategy. First comes exploration, then private investment, and potentially full-scale mine development. The path from initial trenches and drilling to the first gold bar may take years, but the process is now underway.
Source: Rosgeo
Image: RIA Novosti / Mark Agnor
