At the recent Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum, Russia delivered two comprehensive geological atlases and technical reports to Sudan’s Ministry of Minerals, strengthening a long-standing mining partnership between the two nations.
The documents are expected to help Sudan recover vital geological data lost due to ongoing conflict and instability.
Sudan’s Minerals Undersecretary, Dr. Hind Siddiq, accepted the materials on behalf of her country and emphasized the need for deeper economic integration with Russia. “In today’s interconnected world, economic integration is not optional—it’s essential,” she stated, urging a relationship built on trust, shared goals, and equitable development.
The atlases, which include physical copies with digital versions to follow, will support Sudan’s efforts to revitalize its mineral sector. The Kremlin is especially interested in investing in Sudan’s chromium and manganese reserves, viewing the region as a potential growth hub for Russian mineral exploration companies.
Sudan has asked Russia to prepare technical analysis recommendations for the eighth session of the Sudan-Russia Joint Ministerial Committee, scheduled for June. The committee, formed in 2013, has been instrumental in expanding cooperation, including through a metallurgical mapping initiative led by Sudan’s Geological Research Corporation and Russia’s RoseGeo.
That mapping project—meant to chart Sudan’s mineral wealth at a scale of 1:1,000,000—was halted by the internal conflict in Sudan but remains a key goal for both sides. Russia and Sudan’s mining collaboration dates back to the 1970s, particularly in the Red Sea region, and both nations are now aiming to rekindle and expand this legacy.
Dr. Siddiq described the mining sector as one of Sudan’s most important economic pillars, noting that foreign investment and advanced technologies are essential for its success. The renewed partnership with Russia is expected to play a central role in rebuilding Sudan’s mining infrastructure and potentially supporting broader economic recovery.
The KazanForum itself, officially recognized by presidential decree in 2022, continues to serve as a platform for strengthening ties between Russia and the Islamic world, with Sudan’s participation seen as a strategic step amid shifting global alliances.