Mining Set to Overtake Oil in Cameroon

Cameroon is on the verge of a major economic transformation as the government projects that the mining sector will soon generate more revenue than the country’s long-dominant oil industry. The milestone, once considered years away, is now expected in the short term as several large-scale mining projects move into production and reforms reshape the country’s gold sector.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development Fuh Calistus Gentry announced that annual revenue from newly launched mining projects and the restructured gold industry is expected to exceed 1 trillion CFA francs (approximately US$1.75 billion). If achieved, it would mark the first time that mining becomes Cameroon’s leading source of extractive revenue.

A Historic Shift in the Economy

For nearly five decades, crude oil has been one of the pillars of Cameroon’s economy, contributing significantly to government revenue, exports, and foreign exchange earnings. However, production from mature oil fields has steadily declined, prompting authorities to accelerate efforts to diversify the country’s natural resource sector.

Mining has now emerged as the government’s most promising alternative. Rich deposits of iron ore, bauxite, gold, rutile, limestone, cobalt, nickel and other strategic minerals are attracting increasing investment from both domestic and international companies.

Officials believe the country’s mineral wealth could position Cameroon among Africa’s leading mining economies over the next decade, reducing its dependence on petroleum while creating new opportunities for industrial development.

Five Major Projects Drive the Mining Boom

The government’s projections are supported by the advancement of several strategic mining projects that have reached key stages of development.

Among the most significant is the Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore project, located in Cameroon’s East Region. Considered one of Central Africa’s largest iron ore developments, the project is expected to produce millions of tonnes of high-grade iron ore annually for export through the deep-sea port of Kribi.

Another flagship investment is the Minim Martap Bauxite Project in the Adamawa Region. The deposit is regarded as one of the world’s highest-grade undeveloped bauxite resources and is expected to supply raw material for the global aluminium industry.

The government is also expanding industrial gold production following reforms designed to formalize artisanal mining, improve traceability, and increase state revenue from gold exports.

Together, these projects are expected to significantly increase mineral exports and strengthen Cameroon’s position in global commodity markets.

Gold Sector Reforms Begin to Pay Off

Beyond large industrial mines, authorities have introduced reforms aimed at transforming the country’s gold industry.

For years, much of Cameroon’s gold production came from informal artisanal miners, making it difficult for the government to accurately measure production or collect taxes and royalties. Recent reforms have focused on improving regulation, licensing, and oversight while encouraging miners to operate within the formal economy.

Officials say these measures are already improving transparency and are expected to boost government revenue as more gold enters official supply chains.

New Opportunities for Jobs and Investment

The rapid growth of the mining sector is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.

Large mining operations require engineers, geologists, heavy equipment operators, environmental specialists, transport workers, construction companies, and numerous support services. Communities surrounding mining sites are also expected to benefit from improved infrastructure, increased commercial activity, and new business opportunities.

Foreign investors have shown growing interest in Cameroon’s mining industry as the government continues to promote the country as an attractive destination for long-term resource development.

Officials believe the sector will also stimulate investment in roads, railways, energy infrastructure, and port facilities needed to transport minerals to international markets.

Infrastructure Remains a Critical Challenge

Despite the optimism, experts caution that transforming Cameroon into a major mining producer will require significant investment beyond the mines themselves.

Efficient rail networks, reliable electricity, modern logistics systems, and expanded port capacity will all be necessary to transport millions of tonnes of minerals from inland production sites to export markets.

The continued development of the Port of Kribi and associated transport corridors is expected to play a central role in supporting the country’s mining ambitions.

Analysts also stress the importance of maintaining regulatory certainty, attracting private investment, and ensuring mining projects are developed in an environmentally responsible manner.

Environmental and Community Concerns

As mining activity expands, environmental organisations and local communities are calling for stronger safeguards to protect forests, rivers, biodiversity, and agricultural land.

Large-scale mining projects can create significant economic benefits, but they also carry environmental and social risks if not carefully managed. Experts say proper environmental impact assessments, community consultations, and transparent revenue management will be essential to ensuring that mining contributes to sustainable development.

The government has repeatedly stated that responsible mining practices will remain a priority as production increases.

Looking Beyond Oil

The projected rise of mining signals a broader transformation of Cameroon’s economic model.

Rather than relying primarily on declining oil production, the country is positioning its vast mineral resources as a new engine of growth capable of generating export earnings, attracting foreign investment, and supporting industrialisation.

If current projects proceed on schedule and commodity markets remain favourable, mining could soon become Cameroon’s largest extractive industry, reshaping the country’s economy and opening a new chapter in its natural resource development.

While challenges remain, government officials believe the transition from an oil-driven economy to a diversified mining powerhouse is now firmly underway.