The European Union announced a ban on the purchase, import, and transport of gold from Sudan, justifying it by stating that this trade has become a major source of funding for the civil war that has been ongoing in the country since April 2023.

European Union foreign ministers approved these measures, along with a ban on the export of two chemicals widely used in mining the precious metal.

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Under the restrictive measures, individuals and companies in the European Union are prohibited from buying, importing, or transporting Sudanese gold. Mercury and cyanide, which are necessary for humanitarian and public health purposes, are not subject to the export ban imposed by the European Union. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, forcing more than 14 million people to flee their homes. Sudan is one of Africa's largest gold producers, and its vast reserves have become a vital source of income for both sides, according to human rights groups. The Rapid Support Forces control most of the gold fields in Darfur and Kordofan — in the western and central regions of the country — while the Sudanese army oversees production in the northern and eastern areas. These latest restrictions expand the scope of the European sanctions regime that already targets individuals and entities accused of fueling the conflict. However, experts have warned that sanctions alone will not stop this trade unless major international gold trading centers and regional transit routes tighten their measures against Sudanese gold.