Cameroon has just taken a decisive step forward in the development of its mining sector with the launch of the Minim-Martap industrial bauxite mining project in the Adamaoua region. Led by Camalco S.A., this project promises to be one of the most ambitious ever undertaken in the country.
The Minim-Martap bauxite deposit is estimated at nearly one billion tonnes, with approximately 200 million tonnes of bauxite to be mined over twenty years, yielding an annual production of 10 million tonnes. The planned investment is around $2 billion. The so-called ‘poor’ part of the deposit, estimated at 640 million tonnes, will be processed to produce 216 million tonnes of alumina, or 4 million tonnes per year, generating an annual value of nearly $2 billion.
Mining operations have revealed reserves estimated at nearly 99 million tonnes of bauxite, with a content of 51 degrees of aluminium and 2.4 degrees of silica. Simulations have shown that these reserves could be mined industrially at a rate of approximately 5 million tonnes of bauxite per year over a period of 20 years.
JOSEPH DION NGUTE, Prime Minister
For the state, the expected benefits are considerable: 12% of turnover, plus taxes, dividends and other tax revenues. At the same time, modern infrastructure – roads, railways and port terminals – will strengthen the project and stimulate the national economy.
The mining codes have developed local content; there is infrastructure. It is just in the construction phase. An ultra-modern hospital. Why in Martap? Because that is where we are starting the project. Minim will have these things in the future. But today, we are starting with Martap. It is a modern school, an ultra-modern hospital. But in Minim, we have this ultra-modern market that can be called a shopping mall for the region.
FUH CALISTUS GENTRY, Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development
Camalco is also committed to social issues. The construction of a referral hospital and a modern school in Martap, as well as a modern market in Minim, have already been announced. Other initiatives in the areas of health, education and community development will complement these actions.
Camalco is committed to launching social development projects in health education, cultural empowerment, and income-generating activities, ensuring that this project truly serves the community.
RANA PRATAP SINGH,,Managing Director, CAMALCO
The project is expected to generate approximately 5,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs. Training students at the School of Geology and Mining at the University of Ngaoundéré will help develop a skilled local workforce, ensuring a sustainable transfer of skills in the sector. The first shipment of bauxite is expected in the first quarter of 2026. Ultimately, Minim-Martap will position Cameroon as a key player in the global bauxite-alumina-aluminium value chain, in line with the objectives of the 2020-2030 National Development Strategy.
