Mining 2026

CAMEROON Law and Practice Contributed by: Aurélie Chazai, Paul Ariel Kombou, Vanina Fonga and Dylan Dave Tchouankeu, Chazai Wamba

annual activity report to the competent Delegate, for onward transmission to MINMIDT and SONAMINES, before 31 March each year. Non-compliance with reporting, safety or environmental obligations may lead to suspension or withdrawal. A reconnaissance permit, which does not confer exclusive rights, is valid for one year, renewable for the same term. Industrial Mining Industrial titles provide longer tenure and more evident progression from early-stage reconnaissance to full exploitation. Following Article 47 of Decree No 5062, the holder must submit six-monthly reports to MINMIDT on works performed, expenditure and geological find - ings, plus a consolidated report after expiry. An exploration permit, granted for up to three years, is renewable three times for periods not exceeding two years each. On renewal, the area may be reduced but not expanded. Regarding mining exploitation, an exploitation per - mit for an industrial mine is granted for twenty years, renewable for consecutive periods not exceeding ten years each. For a small mine, the exploitation permit is granted for five years, renewable for consecutive peri - ods not exceeding three years. Holders must submit semi-annual and annual activity reports to MINMIDT, with copies to SONAMINES. Spring Water, Mineral Water, Thermo-Mineral Water and Geothermal Deposits Exploitation permit and packaging authorisation are granted for five years and renewable for successive three-year periods. Quarries • Artisanal quarry authorisation is granted for two years. • Reconnaissance permit is valid for one year, renewable once. • Industrial quarry permit is issued for five years, renewable for successive periods not exceeding three years each.

• Public-interest quarry authorisation is granted for a period equivalent to the duration of the public infra - structure project concerned. 2. Impact of Environmental Protection and Community Relations on Mining Projects 2.1 Environmental Protection and Licensing of Mining Projects Environmental Laws and Regulations Cameroon’s environmental protection framework is primarily based on Framework Law No 96/12 of 5 August 1996 on Environmental Management, com - plemented by its implementing decrees and orders. Sector-specific legislation also applies in areas such as wildlife, biodiversity, and natural resources. The Constitution recognises the right to a healthy envi - ronment and imposes a duty on the State to protect natural resources. Environmental Licensing for Mining Projects All exploration and mining projects are subject to a national environmental authorisation process, centred on the preparation and prior approval of an Environ - mental and Social Impact Study, which: • identifies both direct and indirect impacts of the project; • proposes mitigation measures; and • includes an Environmental and Social Management Plan. The Environmental and Social Impact Study is first reviewed by the Interministerial Environmental Com - mittee, then validated by the Ministry of the Environ - ment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Develop - ment (MINEPDED), which issues the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Hazardous Installations Mining operations presenting significant risks to health, safety or the environment are classified as “Dangerous, Unhealthy or Inconvenient Establish - ments”. These installations require specific authori - sations from MINMIDT, which impose obligations across various aspects, including safety measures,

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