CAMEROON Trends and Developments Contributed by: Aurélie Chazai, Paul Ariel Kombou, Vanina Fonga and Dylan Dave Tchouankeu, Chazai Wamba
Although several specific institutions exist, such as the Institute for Geological and Mining Research (IRGM) the public authorities have identified a number of key challenges facing the sector, including: • the dominance of artisanal and informal mining activities, which are often poorly regulated; • the absence of large-scale industrial mining opera - tions for concession-based mineral substances; • limited availability and accessibility of geological data; • inadequate basic infrastructure, particularly roads, ports, railways and energy supply; and • the continued use of outdated geoscientific tools that no longer meet international standards. These issues explain, to a large extent, the cautious approach adopted by some foreign investors. At the same time, they also justify the wide-ranging reforms currently being implemented by the State. Current state of the mining sector: constraints and structural challenges Mining activity is dominated by artisanal operations In Cameroon, any operation that involves extracting and concentrating mineral substances and recovering marketable products for disposal, using traditional or manual methods and processes, is considered arti - sanal mining. Presently in Cameroon, mining activity is mainly arti - sanal, particularly the extraction of gold, diamonds and certain industrial minerals. While artisanal mining plays an important social role by providing livelihoods to many communities, it also presents several limita - tions. These limitations include: • lack of technical knowledge; • environmental degradation; and • unfortunate health situation. For foreign investors, the dominance of artisanal min - ing represents both risk and opportunity. It is a risk due to informality and governance challenges, but also an opportunity for those willing to invest in mod -
ernisation, formalisation, and the gradual structuring of the sector. Insufficient geological and mining data One of the major obstacles to the development of Cameroon’s mining sector is the lack of reliable and accessible geological data. Most of the existing infor - mation is based on: • geological mapping, produced using outdated techniques; and • the absence of comprehensive strategic geochemi - cal coverage. For foreign investors, geological information is a criti - cal factor in decision-making. The limitation in accu - rate data significantly increases financial risk, particu - larly during the exploration phase, and can discourage the mobilisation of substantial investment capital. Weakness of supporting infrastructure The development of industrial mining operations requires heavy and reliable infrastructure, including: • railway corridors for transporting minerals; • stable, sufficient and competitively priced energy. In Cameroon, infrastructure deficits remain a signifi - cant risk factor for mining projects, often increasing project costs and timelines. Development Perspectives of the Mining Sector in Cameroon Strategic development axes for the mining sector According to the MINMIDT, the development of the mining sector in Cameroon can be articulated into four axes, as presented subsequently. Axis 1: Improvement of the legal, regulatory and institutional framework Cameroon’s mining sector is governed by a frame - work of laws and regulations, which primary sources include: • specialised mineral ports; • industrial access roads; and
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