"We have already signed an agreement with them [RosGeo]. We have already discussed a geological survey. We expect the details shall be coming out very soon," Abucha said at the Russia-Africa Summit, adding that "in the next two-three months, we will have a program and a necessary plan to start geological mapping."
Geological maps display the distribution of geological features and resources on or below the earth surface of a given territory. They are the primary source of information for various aspects of planning, including for mining, infrastructure building and identifying of ground-water aquifers.
South Sudan has proven oil reserves and mineral resources such as copper, gold, diamonds, limestone, lithium, and possibly nickel and uranium. Over the past 40 to 50 years, the country has extensively invested in oil and gas production and is currently interested in diversification of its mining sector, according to authorities.
During the first Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, RosGeo and the Ministry of Mining signed a memorandum of understanding. The document identified the key priorities for cooperation between the parties, including the creation of a mineral resources management system, search, evaluation and development of deposits of ferrous, non-ferrous and rare metals, rare earth elements and other minerals.
The second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum is taking place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg from Thursday to Friday. Sputnik is an official media partner of the event.