There is no dispute about the importance of gold at this time, but it may be of added importance in a country like Sudan and in light of the conflict it is witnessing between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.
Sudan ranks thirteenth in the world and third in Africa in gold production, producing about 80 tons, while untapped reserves are estimated at 1550,<> tons.
Gold accounts for half of Sudan's exports and export revenues in the first half of last year amounted to $1.3 billion, with smuggled gold accounting for about 80 percent of production.
This wealth has long been talked about and how it is smuggled out of Sudan, at a time when successive governments are trying to increase their revenues from gold, by encouraging investments, providing the necessary infrastructure to exploit it, and placing it under the umbrella of the state's public revenues.
Western reports say gold plays a role in the current power struggle, as it is a source of the RSF and coveted by regional and international powers.
More details in the attached report to Al Jazeera.