Sudan+Strategic+Minerals

=In 2012 Ministry Of Land Resources Of China Signs Agreement To Evaluate Sudanese Mineral Resources For Three Years,Prompting Chinese Investors To Likely Invest In Sudanese Strategic Minerals Over The Next Five Years=

Executive Summary:
Sudan's agreements with the Ministry of Land Resources of China for an evaluation of its resources and the Sudan Ministry of Minerals' exploration for diamonds in eastern, western and central Sudan suggests Sudan wants investment in its minerals, showing that Chinese investors are likely to explore these opportunities for the next five years. Sudan has strategic minerals such as copper and gold and is in search for more. Sudan has also contracted BGS International to collect and compile geological data to attract foreign investment, another sign Sudan is serious about capitalizing on its strategic minerals.

Discussion:
Sudan has known available resources such as small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, and gold. These minerals are not exploited to their fullest extent, and Sudan attempted to begin to remedy this by inviting foreign aid to review their minerals, such as BGS International who helps countries collect and compile new geological data to attract foreign mineral investment in exploration and mining projects. Sudan's Ministry of Minerals has signed a cooperation agreement in 2012, lasting three years, with the Ministry of Land Resources of China for a project of geochemical investigation and evaluation of mineral resources in Sudan. This agreement also has Chinese experts training geologists and geochemists in the Chinese Geological Research Corporation. The Ministry of Minerals also disclosed diamond explorations at four sites in eatern, western, and central Sudan. These actions show Sudan is beginning the process of exploiting its mineral resources, and Sudan's iron ore, copper, and gold are strategic minerals China needs to sustain its growing economy and population.

**Analytic Confidence: **
Analytic confidence for this assessment is moderate. Source reliability ranges from medium to high. There is no conflict between sources. The analyst had low expertise, worked alone but collaborated with a team, and did not use structured analytic methods. The subject is moderately complex and the deadline was moderately difficult to meet.


 * Analyst**: David Bott