Cameroon, China join forces to combat illegal gold mining.

The commitment was taken during an audience the Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Prof Fuh Calistus Gentry, granted the Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Cameroon, Li Jiang Hua, on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Following a recent awareness and consultation meeting with representatives of the Chinese Embassy and numerous officials from Chinese companies, operating in the East Region, the Political Counsellor reiterated his government’s call for strict compliance with Cameroon’s Mining Code, by the companies concerned. 

He also reaffirmed China’s support for the Cameroonian government, in its efforts to clean up the semi-mechanised artisanal mining sector.

While emphasising that the closure of illegal mining sites in the East Region does not target Chinese companies alone, the Minister outlined the prerequisites for lifting the suspensions. 

The minister cited the strict adherence to the mining code, notably the payment of an environmental bond of 63 million FCFA (3 million per hectare), the declaration of a minimum production threshold of 5 kilograms of gold per month for a company operating five production units and the full transition to a closed-circuit system within six months.

The government official also underscored that China remains a strategic partner for Cameroon. 

He, however, stressed that bilateral relations must be governed by strict compliance with existing laws to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership. 

Both parties agreed that restructuring the semi-mecanised artisanal mining sector would serve the interests of all stakeholders.

Prof Fuh Calistus granted an additional one-week deadline to the Chinese authorities present to continue raising awareness among their nationals engaged in illegal activities.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3761 of Wednesday April 15, 2026