CAMEROON Trends and Developments Contributed by: Lynda Amadagana, Elise Ngo Nyobe, Guy Mbenda and Kevin Djomgoue, Amadagana & Partners
Introduction Cameroon possesses diverse mineral rich - es, offering significant potential for economic growth and development. However, the mining sector in Cameroon faces several challenges that require careful consideration by potential investors. This chapter will explore key trends and developments, highlighting crucial issues for businesses operating in the country. Government Initiatives and Policy Reforms The Cameroonian government recognises the importance of the mining sector and has under - taken several initiatives to attract investment and Efforts are ongoing to modernise the Mining Code to improve transparency, enhance envi - ronmental and social safeguards, and stream - line administrative procedures. These efforts are made evident by the introduction of the new Mining Code in 2023 and the introduction of eight new decrees issued by the Prime Minister on 18 and 19 November 2024, which apply to mining activities in Cameroon. These are: • Decree No 2024/05248/PM of 19 November 2024 setting out the terms and methods for establishing zones for the protection and exclusion of land and mineral substances from mining activities; promote sustainable development. Legal and regulatory framework • Decree No 2024/05249/PM of 19 November 2024 specifying certain obligations attached to the exercise of mining rights and quarrying; • Decree No 2024/05250/PM of 19 November 2024 laying down the terms and conditions for carrying out smelting, refining and manu - facturing activities involving precious and semi-precious substances; • Decree No 2024/05251/PM of 19 November 2024 laying down the terms and conditions
for the possession, marketing, export and transit of mineral substances; • Decree No 2024/05252/PM of 19 Novem - ber 2024 laying down the conditions for the exploitation of spring water, mineral water, thermo-mineral water and geothermal depos - its; • Decree No 2024/05253/PM of 19 November 2024 laying down the methods of quarrying; • Decree No 2024/05061/PM of 18 November 2024 setting out the procedures for issuing mining titles, permits and authorisations; and • Decree No 2024/05062/PM of 18 November 2024 setting out the terms and conditions for mining operations. These reforms aim to create a more attractive and predictable investment climate. Investment promotion The government of Cameroon actively promotes investment in the mining sector through various channels, including international mining confer - ences and targeted investment campaigns. This year the government of Cameroon organised the 4th International Mining and Exhibition Conven - tion of Cameroon (CIMEC) between 22 and 24 May in Yaoundé. It was centred on the theme of “Transition from geological potential to produc - tion of mining deposits as a means of strength - ening economic growth in the sub-region”. Infrastructure development Improving infrastructure, such as roads and energy supply, is crucial for accessing mining sites and facilitating the transportation of miner - als. The government is investing in infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity within mining regions.
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