EU bans Sudanese gold imports in latest sanctions move

The European Union has imposed a full ban on imports of gold from Sudan and prohibited the export to the country of mercury and cyanide, materials widely used in gold mining, according to a statement by the Council of the European Union.

“The decision introduces a ban on the purchase, import or transfer of gold originating in Sudan. It also bans the sale, supply, transfer or export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan. These chemicals are widely used for gold mining or gold exploitation. 

Both measures are accompanied by prohibitions on the provision of related services, including technical assistance, brokering services and financial assistance,” the statement read.

The EU said it hopes the measures will help reduce funding for the conflict in Sudan, which it said has already caused “immeasurable suffering” to the country’s population.

By Jeyhun Aghazada