Egypt Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Gold Mining, Detains Hundreds Near Sudan Border
Egyptian security authorities have intensified efforts to combat illegal gold mining and smuggling activities along the country’s southern border with Sudan, leading to the detention of hundreds of individuals in a sweeping security operation.
According to a statement released by the Egyptian military, a total of 223 people were arrested during the crackdown, including 87 Egyptian nationals and 136 foreign nationals whose identities and nationalities have not been publicly disclosed. Authorities also confiscated a significant quantity of equipment, machinery, and devices allegedly used in unauthorized gold extraction operations.
The operation took place in Egypt’s gold-rich border region with Sudan, an area that has increasingly become a hotspot for illegal mining activities amid ongoing instability in Sudan. The neighboring country has been engulfed in a devastating conflict for more than three years, creating conditions that have enabled the growth of unregulated mining and illicit cross-border trade.
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Recent reports have highlighted the scale of the challenge. A 2024 report by the United Nations Panel of Experts revealed that more than half of Sudan’s gold production is smuggled out of the country despite gold accounting for approximately 70 percent of Sudan’s national revenue. The illegal trade has become a major concern for authorities across the region, with gold serving as a lucrative source of income for criminal networks and armed groups.
Videos circulating online showed large groups of Sudanese nationals gathered at border crossings, with several media outlets reporting that many of them were miners who had been detained by Egyptian authorities and subsequently expelled from the country. The developments have drawn attention to the growing movement of people seeking economic opportunities in the gold-rich border zones.
Reacting to the situation, Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, called on Sudanese citizens to avoid approaching border areas in ways that could create tensions with neighboring countries. Speaking from a mining region in northeastern Sudan, Burhan emphasized Sudan’s commitment to maintaining positive relations with its neighbors and pledged stronger efforts to combat illegal mining and smuggling activities.
The issue of gold mining has become deeply intertwined with Sudan’s ongoing conflict. Gold remains one of the country’s most valuable natural resources and has reportedly played a critical role in financing the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Reports suggest that large quantities of gold have been smuggled from conflict-affected regions, including Darfur and Kordofan, further fueling instability.
Egyptian military officials also disclosed that some individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining operations voluntarily surrendered to authorities. Following investigations, several of these individuals were repatriated, although officials did not reveal their nationalities.
As authorities continue their efforts to secure the border and protect national resources, the Egyptian military issued a strong warning to those involved in illegal activities. The statement reaffirmed that Egypt remains committed to safeguarding its borders and natural wealth, stressing that the military “retains all available options to deal with all threats” to the country’s security and economic interests.
The latest operation underscores Egypt’s determination to curb illegal mining, disrupt smuggling networks, and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing challenges linked to the lucrative gold trade along the Sudanese border. It
