The Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Prof Fuh Calistus Gentry, has clarified the procedures that operators must follow to obtain exploration permits, industrial and commercial quarry exploitation permits, and semi-mechanised artisanal mining authorisations in Cameroon.
In a recent information note, that L’Action has seen a copy, Prof Fuh explained that the updated procedures align with the Mining Code of 19 December 2023 and subsequent regulatory texts signed in November 2024 by the Prime Minister. The clarification aims to guide potential investors and mining operators, ensuring they understand the steps required to secure permits under the country’s revised framework.
According to the Minister, operators seeking exploration permits must demonstrate technical and financial capacity, submit a clear work plan, and provide evidence of funding covering at least 25 per cent of proposed activities. They are also required to present complete administrative documentation, including a valid tax compliance certificate and proof of payment of processing fees.
For semi-mechanised artisanal mining, applicants must show evidence of a functional gravel processing system or a partnership with an operator possessing such a system, alongside a valid environmental compliance certificate and a site rehabilitation guarantee deposited in a first-class bank in Cameroon.
In the case of industrial and commercial quarry exploitation permits, Prof Fuh indicated that applicants must prove at least 35 per cent Cameroonian ownership, submit a consultation report with local communities, and provide documents confirming land occupancy rights.
The Minister noted that these clarifications are designed to enhance transparency, improve the management of mineral resources, and ensure that mining activities benefit local communities while protecting the environment.
“Any application that does not comply with these procedures will be outrightly rejected,” Prof Fuh stated, urging potential investors and operators to align with the new guidelines to avoid delays in the processing of their requests.
The clarification comes as Cameroon seeks to boost confidence in its mining sector and strengthen its commitment to transparency under the 2023 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard.
Jude Viban
