(Business in Cameroon) - From 1960 to 1990, the Cameroonian government, in collaboration with internationally renowned institutions such as the UNDP and the Office of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) carried out studies to trace the mineral potential of Cameroon. Following these studies, over 167 exploration licenses have been granted, proof of the country’s wealth. However, only about 50% of the national territory mining data is available suggesting that there are still enormous mineral resources to explore in Cameroon.

Current projects

Five mining licenses have already been granted: Geovic Company for the exploitation of nickel, cobalt and manganese in Nkamouna (Lomié), C and K Mining Company Inc for diamond and accompanying substances in Mobilong (Yokadouma), and three operating permits were granted for the extraction of limestone and marble.

The following companies are currently negotiating mining agreements with the State of Cameroon: Cam Iron, a subsidiary of Australia’s Sundance Resources for the mining of iron ore at Mbalam and Cameroon Alumina Limited for the bauxite deposits at Mini Martap near Ngaoundal (Adamawa).

Rutile

A deposit of three million tons of rutile reserves exists in Akonolinga, Centre Region. These reserves are larger and extend over a vast area of more than 30,000 km on the outskirts of Centre, South, Coastline, East and West. Their economic weight is not clearly evaluated.

Uranium

Fifty uranium targets have been identified, most of which form geochemical anomalies that were identified by systematic mining inventory work conducted from 1978 to 1987 in the Southeast by the UN and in the Southwest by the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research. Mega Uranium Company holds exploration permits, and is currently carrying out research work at Poli and Teubang in the North, Lolodorf in the South and Ngombas in the Centre.

According to Minepat, a uranium deposit of more than 1,300 tons was discovered at Poli. But the real potential of Cameroon is unknown.

Graphite

At least five targets are identified in Lom around Bétaré-Oya, Yingui to the North-East of Douala and Mayo Boula in the Far North. As for Titanium, more than 65 targets were identified.

Other minerals

Tin has 17 targets. There are two indices of Copper, about 50 targets of Lead, approximately 12 indices of Zinc.

2.5 million tons of marble, Limestone about 600,000 tons of reserves, large deposits of Pozzolana in volcanic areas of the Southwest, West and Northwest, sand and gravel river. Not only are there industrial quantities of sand as a building material and servicing, but there is also pure sand for glass.

Beaugas-Orain Djoyum

Distribution, by region of "proved" and "developed" deposits of raw materials :

Source Africommodities – Les Afriques

Inventaires et volumes des gisements de 35 zones minières camerounaises

Source Africommodities – Les Afriques