Cameroon Considers Easing Exploration Permit Procedures to Attract Mining Investment

Cameroon is considering changes to its mining regulations, including simpler procedures for granting exploration permits, as the government looks to attract investment and increase the economic contribution of the country's mineral resources.

The issue was raised on August 28, 2026, by Acting Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development Fuh Calistus Gentry during a workshop in Yaoundé reviewing the implementation of Cameroon’s 2023 Mining Code. The workshop, organised by the Department of Political Science at the University of Yaoundé II, brought together academics and industry stakeholders to examine how the current legal and institutional framework could be improved. Higher Education Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo attended the opening ceremony.

According to the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, the discussions focused on improving mining regulation, strengthening investment conditions and supporting the development of the sector.

Exploration Permits Under Review

Exploration licensing emerged as one of the main issues during the discussions. Gentry said the process requires particular attention because exploration carries significant risk and only a small proportion of exploration programmes eventually lead to commercially viable deposits. He argued that Cameroon needs more efficient procedures for granting exploration permits if it wants to compete for foreign mining investment with countries offering more favourable conditions.

The government is seeking to move the sector beyond exploration and into larger-scale mining production. Since 2025, the Ministry of Mines has identified several projects involving iron ore, bauxite, marble and gold that have entered development or commissioning stages. These include the Mbalam, Nkout and Ngovayang iron ore projects, as well as the Mborguéné and Bibemi gold projects.

The government says the 2023 Mining Code has supported progress in the sector, but further adjustments may be needed as Cameroon looks to attract additional capital, including investment in critical minerals.

Turning Mineral Potential Into Economic Returns

Despite its mineral resources, mining still makes a limited contribution to Cameroon’s economy. 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. The country has estimated mineral resources including 3.9 billion tonnes of iron ore, 140 million tonnes of bauxite and 20,400 kilograms of gold.

The review of the mining code also comes as the government looks for ways to increase revenue from mining activities. MINMIDT has said reforms targeting semi-mechanised artisanal gold mining could generate CFAF 8.64 billion in projected revenue if 100 illegal mining sites are regularised. The ministry has also estimated potential annual gold production of 1,320 kilograms under the proposed operating framework.