CAMEROON Trends and Developments Contributed by: Aurélie Chazai, Paul Ariel Kombou, Vanina Fonga and Dylan Dave Tchouankeu, Chazai Wamba
• Mining Code, providing the overarching legal framework governing mining activities in Cam - eroon; • Decree No 2024/05062/PM of 18 November 2024, setting out the procedures applicable to mining operations, whether artisanal, semi-mechanised artisanal or industrial; • Decree No 2024/05249/PM of 19 November 2024, on the obligations associated with the exercise of mining and quarrying rights; • Decree No 2024/05248/PM of 19 November 2024, defining the conditions and procedures for estab - lishing protected and exclusion zones, where land or mineral resources are either protected or excluded from mining activities, and setting out the compensation mechanisms applicable in the event of restrictions on mining rights; • Decree No 2024/05252/PM of 19 November 2024, laying down the procedures governing the exploita - tion of spring water, mineral water, thermal mineral water and geothermal resources; and • Decree No 2024/05253/PM of 19 November 2024, specifying the conditions applicable to the exploi - tation of quarry materials. However, Cameroon has embarked on the modernisa - tion of its mining legal framework through: • the finalising of outstanding regulatory texts; • the establishing and operationalising of key insti - tutions such as the National Mining Company, the Mining Cadastre and the National Geological Survey; and • the strengthening of the human, technical and financial capacity of institutions responsible for the sector. For foreign investors, improvements to the institu - tional framework are a positive signal, as they aim to enhance legal certainty and transparency. Axis 2: Development of knowledge of mining potential The Cameroonian government places strong empha - sis on improving knowledge of the country’s geologi -
• establishing a Geological and Mining Information System (SIGM); and • disseminating and promoting geoscientific data at both national and international levels. These initiatives are expected to significantly reduce information-related risks for investors. Axis 3: Improvement of the exploitation of mineral resources This strategic axis focuses on: • creating synergies between public and private actors; • establishing an attractive and competitive tax framework; • modernising artisanal mining; • promoting mineral resources; • developing supporting infrastructure; and • promotion of employment in the mining sector. The goal is to encourage more structured, profitable and sustainable mining operations. Axis 4: Value addition and local processing of resources The State aims to move away from a purely extractive model towards local value creation. This includes: • development of local mining Small and Medium- sized Enterprise (SMEs); • training in mining-related professions; and • promotion of joint ventures between foreign inves - tors and local partners. The NDS30 and the central role of the mining sector The National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (NDS30) positions the mining sector as a strategic pil - lar of Cameroon’s economic and territorial transforma - tion. The government now views mining not merely as a revenue source, but as a catalyst for infrastructure development, expanded energy access, and local industrial advancement. Mining projects serve an additional spatial planning objective: establishing new economic hubs beyond conventional urban centres.
cal potential. Planned actions include: • producing large-scale geological maps;
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