The European Union announced on Monday new sanctions against Sudan by targeting the country's gold trade, which it said was being used to finance the military conflict in the country.

"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," said a statement by the Council of the European Union.

The EU also said that the decision included targeted exceptions. It explained that the restrictions on mercury and cyanide did not apply to goods intended for humanitarian purposes, public health emergencies, and disaster response.