A major industrial mining project, set to inject billions into the economy and create thousands of jobs, has been officially launched in the Adamawa Region, signalling a new chapter for Cameroon’s industrial strategy.
The foundation stone for the transformative Minim-Martap Bauxite Project was laid by the Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, acting on behalf of President Paul Biya.
The ceremony marks a significant step in realising the government’s vision to establish mining as a central pillar of the nation’s economic growth.
Addressing a large audience, the Prime Minister positioned the project as a cornerstone of the nation’s future prosperity. “This initiative is central to President Biya’s vision to leverage our natural resources for the benefit of all Cameroonians,” he stated. “We are committed to ensuring its timely completion, which will see Cameroon begin to transform its own bauxite, enriching the local economy and providing substantial employment.”
An Economic Powerhouse in the Making
The economic potential of the Minim-Martap project is substantial. According to project experts, the initial production phase alone is projected to generate a robust $174 million in annual cash flow. The government’s share is significant, set to receive 10% of the value of the mineral, providing a major new revenue stream for national development.
The project is also a major job-creation engine, expected to generate approximately 5,600 jobs in total. This includes 1,400 direct roles and a further 4,200 indirect and induced jobs in supporting industries and services, offering a significant boost to local communities.
World-Class Asset and Strategic Infrastructure
Owned by Australian firm Canyon Resources via its local subsidiary CAMALCO SA, the Minim-Martap deposit is ranked among the world’s richest, with a high-grade ore reserve. Its strategic location near the main rail line to the port of Douala is a key advantage.
The project involves not just the mine itself, but the construction of 45km of road and vital upgrades to rail infrastructure. A dedicated bauxite terminal will also be built on the banks of the Wouri River, creating new export capacity and modernising the region’s logistical backbone.
On Track for 2026 Production
With commercial activities already launched and $160 million in funding secured, the project is on a clear timetable. Production is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, with a second phase planned to double port capacity, paving the way for even greater export volumes in the future.
The event was also attended by the Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Prof Fuh Calistus Gentry, underscoring the project’s importance to the nation’s industrial policy.
