Cameroon Eyes Easier Exploration Permits to Draw Mining Investment

Cameroon is considering easing procedures for granting mining exploration permits as the government seeks to attract more investment and turn the country’s mineral potential into greater economic returns.

The issue was raised on August 28, 2026, by Acting Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development Fuh Calistus Gentry at a workshop in Yaoundé reviewing the implementation of Cameroon’s 2023 Mining Code.

Organized by the Department of Political Science at the University of Yaoundé II, the workshop brought together academics and industry stakeholders to assess the mining code and identify possible improvements to the legal and institutional framework governing the sector. Higher Education Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo attended the opening ceremony.

The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development said the discussions were intended to identify ways to improve mining regulation. The Ministry of Higher Education said participants also examined measures to make the sector more attractive to investors and improve mining operations.

Exploration Permits Become an Investment Priority

Gentry said exploration permits require particular attention because only a small share of exploration activity ultimately results in economically viable deposits. He argued that Cameroon needs simpler procedures for obtaining exploration permits if it is to compete more effectively for foreign direct investment with countries offering more favorable conditions.

The proposed changes come as the government seeks to move Cameroon from a largely exploration-focused mining industry toward larger-scale industrial production. According to MINMIDT, five major mining projects covering iron ore, bauxite, marble and gold have entered various stages of development or commissioning since 2025. The ministry also identifies the Mbalam, Nkout and Ngovayang iron ore projects and the Mborguéné and Bibemi gold projects among those moving toward development or production.

The government says the 2023 Mining Code has helped advance several projects, but further adjustments are needed as Cameroon seeks to attract additional capital, including investment in critical minerals.

The sector’s current contribution to the economy remains small. The World Bank’s 2025 Cameroon Economic Update estimated that mining accounted for just 0.2% of GDP and less than 0.1% of government revenue, despite mineral potential estimated at 3.9 billion tons of iron ore, 140 million tons of bauxite and 20,400 kilograms of gold.

Government Seeks Greater Returns From Mining

The review also comes as the government works to increase the fiscal and economic benefits generated by mining. MINMIDT has said reforms targeting semi-mechanized artisanal gold mining could generate CFAF 8.64 billion in projected revenue if 100 illegal mining sites were regularized. The ministry also estimated potential annual gold production of 1,320 kilograms under the revised operating framework.

The August 28 workshop therefore placed exploration licensing alongside regulation, investment attraction and revenue generation among the main issues shaping the next phase of Cameroon’s mining development.

Mercy Fosoh