Gold mining firms in Cameroon are now subject to tougher requirements as authorities step up monitoring of halted operations in the resource-rich East Region, indicating a more stringent regulatory approach for foreign operators.
The government is reinforcing control over the gold industry by imposing strict financial and operational conditions on Chinese mining companies and other players before suspended activities in the East Region are allowed to restart.
These measures were presented during a high-level meeting in Yaoundé between Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Professor Fuh Calistus Gentry, and Li Jiang Hua, Political Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Cameroon.
Under the new rules, mining firms must provide an environmental guarantee of 63 million CFA francs (over $100,000), achieve set monthly production levels, and adopt closed-circuit processing systems within six months.
Professor Gentry clarified that the shutdown of illegal mining operations is not solely aimed at Chinese firms, stressing that all operators must adhere to the same legal standards regardless of origin.
The policy shift comes after multiple site closures targeting companies found to be violating Cameroon’s Mining Code, part of a broader effort to curb illegal and environmentally harmful mining practices.
Across Africa, governments are increasingly tightening regulations on the mining sector, particularly focusing on foreign companies operating in poorly regulated or informal areas.
Growing concerns about environmental damage, revenue losses, and weak oversight have prompted several countries to halt operations, reassess licences, and enforce stricter compliance requirements.
In Cameroon, the dominance of informal and semi-mechanised artisanal mining has long posed challenges for tax collection and environmental management.
The introduction of the environmental bond represents a significant financial hurdle, likely excluding smaller or underfunded operators who cannot meet the upfront requirement.
Chinese representatives acknowledged the tougher regulatory stance, with Li Jiang Hua emphasising that companies must comply fully with Cameroon’s laws while supporting efforts to formalise the sector.
Professor Gentry also gave Chinese authorities a one-week deadline to notify their nationals involved in illegal mining activities.
Officials say the reforms are designed to promote transparency and accountability in the mining industry, while enabling the government to capture greater economic value from gold through taxes, royalties, and environmental protections.