Mining 2026

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

6. Mining: Outlook and Trends 6.1 Two-Year Forecast for the Mining Sector Growing Economic Role and Sector Expansion Cameroon aims to transform its mining sector into a key growth driver to diversify an economy heavily dependent on oil. The country plans to launch at least 15 mining projects by 2027, focusing on gold, iron ore and bauxite, which should gradually increase the sec - tor’s contribution to GDP beyond 1%. Major sites, including Mbalam (iron), Kribi-Lobé (iron), Minim-Martap (bauxite), and several gold projects, are in advanced development or pre-production. Over the next two years, mining operations are expected to intensify with initial export phases on several large projects, attracting increased foreign investment. Legislative Reforms and Improved Legal Framework The Mining Code adopted in December 2023 repre - sents a major overhaul of the sector’s legal framework with significant implications for investors, including: • mandatory state participation through SON - AMINES; • creation of development funds for geological map - ping, environmental rehabilitation and local capac - ity building; and • strengthened regulation of mining titles and clas - sification of strategic resources. This framework seeks to attract investors whilst enhancing oversight of operations and production- sharing arrangements between the state and opera - tors. Governance Structures and Taxation A national panel for negotiating mining agreements has been established to ensure mining contracts comply with legislation and protect the country’s economic and social interests. Additionally, consulta - tions are underway for fiscal reform that will define specific rates for iron, bauxite and oil exports in the 2026 finance law, encouraging local processing rather than raw exports.

The legislative trend points towards continued regu - latory and fiscal adjustments to improve Cameroon’s competitiveness whilst strengthening transparency and public revenues. Energy Transition and Green Minerals Minerals for the transition Whilst Cameroon is not yet a major producer of “criti - cal” minerals (such as lithium, cobalt or rare earths) used in energy transition technologies, exploration reveals potential for diversified resources including gold, iron, bauxite and possibly other strategic min - erals. The 2022 EITI Report highlights the integration of energy transition into extractive policies, emphasis - ing exploration of minerals used in green technologies alongside hydroelectric and solar projects that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. International initiatives on responsible mining Cameroon has been invited to join a Chinese-led green mining initiative as part of global discussions on green minerals. This could foster cooperation on mining projects aligned with carbon neutrality objec - tives and responsible extraction practices. The energy perspective indicates that whilst the tran - sition towards critical minerals remains emerging, there is movement towards responsible extraction, targeted exploration and integration of environmental sustainability into regulations. Persistent structural challenges Despite high potential, the sector still faces several constraints: • insufficient energy supply for local mineral process - ing; • limited transparency in permit allocation; and • fiscal and institutional framework requiring further refinement. These challenges may hinder industrialisation and the capacity to locally transform minerals intended for the energy transition.

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