Sudanese revenues from the traditional mining reached 2.2 billion dollars in the year 2012, indicating 91 mining companies are now operating in the country. Addressing the National Legislature Monday, President Al-Bashir said that 178 blocks were lately discovered and planned, including 138 blocks for gold production. He said that expected gold reserve was put at 940 tons. President Al-Bashir said that Russian and Chinese companies were given an area of 769 kilometers for studying its mining resources, adding that agreements were signed with companies from South Africa and Britain.