Cameroon Gears Up for Mining Boom with 15 Strategic Projects Near Production
Cameroon's mining sector is poised for significant growth with 15 projects currently under development, according to Victor Aristide Mimbang, Director of Mines at the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development (Minmidt). Mimbang revealed this information on May 22nd at the Cameroon International Mining & Energy Convention and Exhibition (Cimec) being held in Yaoundé.Several projects are in the advanced stages of development, with initial production expected in 2025. The Lobé-Kribi iron ore project stands out as a major undertaking. With an estimated reserve of 632 million tons of iron ore at a grade of 33%, the project plans to produce 4 million tons per year of 60% iron concentrate. Construction of access roads and the arrival of equipment at the Kribi port in December 2023 mark significant progress. First commercial production is targeted for late 2025.
The Akom II iron ore project also boasts promising reserves of 147 million tons with a grade of 30%. Aiming for a production rate of 2 million tons of 65-68% iron concentrate, the project has secured the necessary mining convention and exploitation permit. Early progress includes the opening of access roads, construction of a living base, and installation of a crusher for on-site construction materials. Production is expected to commence by December 2024.
The Mbalam iron ore project takes the lead in terms of scale, boasting an estimated reserve of 805.7 million tons with a grade of 57.3%. This project plans to produce 15 million tons per year. With production equipment already on its way, commercial production is projected for the third quarter of 2024. Initially, the company plans to utrasport the ore destined for export by road, with a railway connection planned for the future.
Production is ongoing at the small-scale Colomine gold mine, with plans for a transition to a closed-circuit processing system. Equipment for the treatment unit has been ordered from China.
The Minim-Martap bauxite project holds immense potential, with a resource of one billion tons and proven reserves of 99.1 million tons. The bauxite boasts an alumina grade of 51.6%, with a planned production rate of 5 million tons per year. The negotiated mining convention is currently under review by the Prime Minister's office. The project operator, Camalco, aims to process the bauxite into alumina and ultimately aluminum within Cameroon. Discussions are reportedly underway with Alucam for potential collaboration.
Beyond the major developments, several short-term projects are also on the horizon. The Bibémi gold project holds potential for both small-scale and future industrial-scale gold mining, with drilling activities currently ongoing.
The Mborguéné small-scale gold mine awaits the signing of a mining convention to allow partner Shandong Gold to begin operations.
The Ngovayang iron ore project requires infrastructure development such as an enrichment unit and a pipeline to transport ore to the Kribi Port terminal. The project seeks state support for road construction to facilitate equipment transport and natural gas supply.
Finally, the Nkamouna cobalt-nickel-manganese project is expected to see renewed activity with the involvement of a new partner, Tronic. Experts believe this project can be implemented relatively quickly due to its minimal infrastructure requirements.
