patience, things are moving

http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200906020639.html
(Translated from french)

Cameroon: Matip Oscar - "The state wants to make the mining sector to leverage its development"?

Interview
Jeanine FANKAM
2 June 2009

Oscar Matip, Director of Mines and Geology Department of Industry, Mines and Technological Development, draws lessons from the first forum of mine Cameroon.

>> Last week was held in Yaoundé, the first forum of mine Cameroon. The current situation has she influenced the holding of this forum?

It is known that Cameroon has a large potential in the mining sector. The public usually has little information on the subject. And it was our duty to organize a forum to communicate on the issue. And then, we must recognize that development of the mining sector is dependent on several factors, including political will, the determination of both governments and civil society. Thus to show our potential, to take stock of what has already been done to measure all the difficulties and challenges and the future. The state wants to make this sector the leverage of its economy in the perspective of becoming an emerging country.

>> We did not feel that the potential is so poorly known. But between the endless exploration and feasibility studies, it is unknown when will actually start mining other than oil.

All this justifies the mining of the first forum of Cameroon. Mining depends on several factors. It is not just resources. Are taken into account, the price of minerals, political stability, infrastructure, communication, energy availability, etc.. There are some projects for which we developed, but the financial crisis intervened. This economic situation has forced him to change the timetable of several projects. It takes a combination of synergies to consider the exploitation of minerals. The work in the areas I just mentioned are not the same level of advancement. The exploitation of our potential is a continuous process.

>>How many licenses of exploitation or exploration ever been issued?

Three operating licenses have been issued in Cameroon. Two operating license plate and an operating license of the limestone. The operation of the limestone used to produce cement Figuil in the North. Regarding the marble production remains modest. This operation contributes to the economy, but so modest. The largest farms would be expected among the permits already granted is that of nickel and cobalt Lomié. We hope that around 2012, there is a large operating nickel. CNK Mining Society, it has an exploration permit in the diamond area Mobilong. It has already made a part of the feasibility study, it is finalizing the EIA. You can also hoped that around 2012, this company may also enter into production. Regarding the deposit of iron Mbalam, the State has already signed his letter of intent with Cam-Iron since late last year. This company is busy improving the techno-economic studies and to make environmental impact studies. You should know that studies are essential.

>> It never ends with these studies

Mining is not like operating a plantation. From exploration to exploitation, it takes five, six, even ten years if all goes as planned for some deposits. We understand the impatience of Cameroonians, but there are prerequisites to meet before reaching the farm.

>> Cam-Iron (Sundance Resources Ltd), CNK Mining, Alumina Limited Cameroon, etc. are they ready to get involved in the construction of essential infrastructure in mining?

Anyway, if they do not get involved in the construction of infrastructure, there is no exploitation. This is the case with the exploitation of iron Mbalam. The cost of the most significant investment is in infrastructure. And who wants to get involved in the exploitation of iron Mbalam without getting involved in infrastructure is wasting his time. The same goes for the company that will exploit bauxite Mini Martap. It will engage and could engage in various forms. But it will be studied. However, we can not abandon the construction of infrastructure only to companies involved in mining. This should be a national policy.

>> What is the potential mining of Cameroon.
We have known deposits, indices, areas, there are areas in mineralization zones in the craton, Green Stone Belt. We have evidence for which the level of knowledge is advanced but has not yet reached the level of deposit. There are also exploitable.

>> In these companies, nationals are well represented?

The mining sector is open to nationals and foreigners without discrimination. All can have permits.

>> Precautions are taken to ensure that our pool does not foreigners. The Units of action of the State or nationals are they preserved?

The Units of action will not determine that at the bargaining mining.