Gold RushThe Sudanese authorities expect gold production to rise to as much as 74 tonnes in 2011 as small-scale prospectors who are taking part in a gold rush in remote parts of the country contribute to output. Official estimates put 2010 production at 36 tonnes although this figure would be closer to 70 tonnes if illegal smuggling were taken into account according to minerals minister Abdel Gailani Ahmed. Output of 74 tonnes would make Sudan the third largest gold producer in Africa behind Ghana and South Africa. The government is encouraging investment into the sector in a bid to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil.