Cameroon has taken a giant leap toward becoming a major player in the global iron market as Prime Minister and Head of Government, Dr. Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, officially launched the country’s first large-scale iron ore export project in the South Region.
Acting on behalf of the Head of State, President Paul Biya, Dion Ngute on Wednesday, September 22, 2025, flagged off the Bipindi-Grand Zambi Iron Ore Mining Project, a multi-billion FCFA industrial initiative designed to revolutionize the nation’s metallurgical sector. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the SINOSTEEL mineral terminal at the Kribi Deep Seaport, cementing Cameroon’s ambition to become a regional hub for steel production and mineral exports.
Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute Welcomed into the Ceremonial Ground in Kribi.The high-profile event in the Ocean Division drew a host of dignitaries, including Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development; Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education; Minette Libom Li Likeng, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications; and Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, Minister of Transport. Traditional rulers, municipal and administrative authorities, and a jubilant local population turned out in large numbers to witness the historic moment.
Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute Addressing the Audience.A Cornerstone for Industrialization
In his keynote address, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute hailed the project as a “decisive step” in Cameroon’s quest to transform its industrial base under the National Development Strategy (SND 2020-2030) and President Biya’s Vision 2035.
“This project is not just about mining iron ore. It is about building the foundation of a domestic steel industry, reducing dependency on imports, and giving fresh impetus to the policy of large-scale import substitution prescribed by the Head of State,” the Prime Minister declared.
Population Rallies Total Support for President Paul Biya.According to government estimates, the Bipindi-Grand Zambi deposits hold over 150 million tonnes of magnetite ore with an average iron content of 29.45%. The project is one of 16 priority mining ventures earmarked for implementation across six regions of the country.
G-Stone Resources Commended
The Prime Minister praised G-Stone Resources SA, the company leading the project and its President Director General, Dieudonné Bougne, for their commitment and investment since works began in June 2022.
Dion Ngute highlighted key milestones, including the construction of a 7km access road, the design of an open-pit mine, and the completion of an iron ore processing and concentration plant capable of producing one million tonnes of 65% iron concentrate annually.
A second concentration plant, now under construction, is expected to triple production to three million tonnes per year. G-Stone’s long-term vision includes establishing a steel complex capable of producing 500,000 tonnes of iron billets annually for Cameroon and the Central African sub-region.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond the direct economic benefits, the Biya's envoy noted that the project will create over 3,500 direct and indirect jobs and significantly boost state revenues through taxes, royalties, and contributions to sectoral development funds.
“This colossal investment will revitalize our economy from the very first year of production,” he stressed, assuring locals that the government remains attentive to infrastructure needs such as the Lolodorf-Bipindi road and stable electricity supply.
Gratitude and Local Commitment
Taking the floor, G-Stone’s Dieudonné Bougne expressed profound gratitude to President Biya, the local population, and Cameroonian authorities for their unwavering support over the past 12 years. He confirmed that the project has also received financial and technical backing from the Canadian government.
Elias Bidon, Mayor of Bipindi, Welcoming Biya's Special Envoy.Bipindi Mayor Elias Bidon, speaking on behalf of the host community, described the venture as a “transformational project” and reaffirmed the South Region’s loyalty to the Head of State ahead of the October 12 presidential election.
“This project is a game-changer for our local economy, creating jobs and opportunities. We are fully committed to supporting its success,” the mayor said.
A New Era for Cameroon’s Mining Industry
With the Bipindi-Grand Zambi project and the Kribi mineral terminal now underway, Cameroon is positioning itself as a future exporter of processed iron and a driver of sub-regional industrialization. For many observers, Wednesday’s ceremony signalled not just the launch of a mine, but the opening chapter of Cameroon’s next phase of economic transformation.
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