To fasten dev’t of four mineral deposits: Gov’t engages mining companies to seal mining conventions.

The mining conventions are expected to enhance and fast-track the exploitation and development of some mining projects in the country; notably the Ngovayang, Ntem and Djoum III iron deposits in the South Region and the Bibémi gold deposit in the North Region. 

The ceremony to launch the negotiations for the mining agreements was held last Thursday September 19, in Ebolowa, South Region.

Chaired by the Interim Minister of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, Prof Fuh Calistus Gentry, the event was attended by some Directors General of the concerned mining companies: Cameroon Mining Action, CAMINA SA; Cameroon Mining Exploration company, CAMINEX SA; and Oriole Cameroon Sarl.   

The event was also graced by the Governor of the South Region, Felix Nguele Nguele alongside other administrative and municipal authorities, major stakeholders and elites.

In his key note address, Minister Fuh Calistus pointed out that at the end of the research work carried out by the companies, which resulted in the identification of deposits that could be exploited on an industrial scale, the same enterprises submitted applications for exploitation permits to his ministry. The applications, he stated, were backed up by feasibility studies and draft mining agreements.

He then explained that the negotiation for the mining conventions, which have just commenced, will be carried out in several stages, including internal consultation, review of the State's counter-proposal, obtaining the prior consent of local populations in order to draft consensual mining agreements for wider consultation with the sectoral administrations, amongst others. 

He also noted that the projects will generate numerous economic spin-offs for the local population, local councils as well as the entire country.

Historic moment for Cameroon 

While addressing the press at the end of the ceremony, Prof Fuh described the event as a historic moment for Cameroon, given that the country is showcasing the continent's largest iron ore corridor on the continent. 

He emphasised that Cameroon is embarking on another critical phase in the procedure that will enable her mining deposits to be exploited and developed.

“We have chosen Ebolowa because of the six projects that are found in Cameroon, five are located in the South Region,” the minister told reporters, before adding that, “Today, we are adding three new mining projects in the iron ore sector, all of which are in the South Region”.

Stating that the country's first gold mine is located in the North Region, the minister explained that mining in the North is conducted according to industry standards and that measures are being taken to ensure that the sector in the East Region is also well-regulated.

Citizen education

Prof Fuh Calistus equally explained that citizen education will continue to ensure that Cameroon develops an industrial mining sector that is void of child labour and environmentally friendly. 

He then stressed that: “Today, Cameroon has taken a significant step towards completing its dominance in innovations…there is no other African country with such a regional corporation in mining infrastructure. Mining has come to stay; Cameroonians should get used to it.”

Mining company bosses pledge to benefit population

On their part, the different directors of the mining companies expressed their gratitude to the government of Cameroon.

They also indicated their excitement to work with both government and local communities to ensure that the projects are mutually beneficial.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Oriole Cameroon 2 Sarl, Martin Rosser, government’s strong commitment to developing a significant and valuable mining industry is a key factor for their presence in Cameroon. 

“The country has excellent geology. I am delighted to be here and for my company to be in Cameroon, focusing on the gold sector, which is a very important opportunity for the country,” he stated. 

“We believe that geology is highly promising for many gold mines, and we already have evidence from our first project of a world-class gold deposit,” Rosser added.

It is worth noting that the internal consultation, amongst other things, will involve a residential workshop between MINMIDT and the National Mining Corporation, SONAMINES. 

During the said workshop, they will examine the compliance of the draft agreements with Law no. 2023/014 of 19 December 2023 on the Mining Code, identify the State's key positions, and develop the State's counter-proposal to be sent to the mining companies concerned.

This consultation will also raise awareness among all stakeholders about the progress of the mining projects, identify the real needs of the local population in terms of social projects, and address any concerns from the local community. 

Additionally, local communities will designate representatives of the local population to participate in inter-ministerial consultations, ensuring that their grievances are effectively considered in the draft agreements. 

The consultations will also raise awareness among the concerned Councils about the special local capacity development account, which will be used to implement local content.

Economic benefits

In terms of economic benefits, the government anticipates reducing unemployment through the creation of direct and indirect jobs, infrastructural development, a significant contribution to the tax base, as well as development of the project area and its surrounding towns among others.

Regarding environmental and social issues, the government aims for the deployment of these projects to be in harmony with relevant social, cultural, and environmental values and standards. 

This involves using modern techniques and technologies that respect human health and the environment.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3238 of Monday September 23, 2024