CAMEROON Law and Practice Contributed by: Aurélie Chazai, Paul Ariel Kombou, Vanina Fonga and Dylan Dave Tchouankeu, Chazai Wamba
SCP Chazai Wamba De Gaulle Avenue Onyx Building 3rd floor, Bonapriso P.O Box 4937 Douala Cameroon Tel: +237 233 43 26 17 Email: contact@chazai-wamba.com Web: www.chazai-wamba.com
1. Mining Law: General Framework 1.1 Main Features of the Mining Industry Cameroon’s mining industry comprises a mix of arti - sanal, semi-mechanised, small-scale, and emerging industrial operations. The country is endowed with a variety of mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, bauxite, iron ore, cobalt, and industrial minerals, which are unevenly distributed across its regions. Artisanal mining plays a vital role in providing livelihoods for local communities, particularly in rural areas, but it faces significant challenges, including occupational safety, environmental degradation, and limited access to modern equipment and technology. Semi-mecha - nised and small-scale operations are increasingly sub - ject to formal regulation, thereby improving production standards and traceability. Industrial mining, on the other hand, remains at a developing stage and is dominated primarily by for - eign investors and international companies. This seg - ment is gradually expanding through the development of exploration and exploitation projects under Law No 2023/014 of 19 December 2023 (the “Mining Code”), which provides for structured permitting, environmen - tal obligations, and reporting requirements. The sec - tor as a whole is increasingly regulated to encourage sustainable mining practices, social and community benefits, and secure investment opportunities. At the same time, challenges persist in: • infrastructure, technology; • workforce training; and • the formalisation of artisanal activities.
Cameroon’s regulatory framework aims to balance resource development with the protection of com - munities and the environment, promoting responsible, legally compliant mining across all activities. 1.2 Legal System and Sources of Mining Law Overview of the Cameroonian Legal System Cameroon has a mixed legal system that combines elements of civil law and common law, reflecting its French and British colonial heritage. This duality is most visible in the judicial system and the sources of law. In the Francophone regions, civil law principles generally govern, while in the Anglophone regions, common law principles continue to apply. In addition, customary law is recognised in certain areas, particularly in matters related to land and family. This layered approach means legal rules can vary by region and context, which is important for businesses and individuals operating across the country. Mining Legislation in Cameroon Cameroon’s mining sector is governed by a frame - work of laws and regulations designed to organise and regulate mining activities, ensure compliance, and protect both investors and local communities. The main sources include: • The Mining Code establishes the general legal framework for mining activities; • Decree No 2024/05062/PM of 18 November 2024 (the “Decree No 5062”) sets out procedures for carrying out mining operations, whether artisanal, semi-mechanised artisanal or industrial;
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