Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, has officially launched Cameroon’s flagship bauxite mining project in Minim-Martap, calling on the population to fully take ownership of the initiative that promises to transform the local economy and create over 5,600 jobs.
Representing President Paul Biya, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone in a colourful ceremony that drew thousands of residents, traditional authorities, and government officials, including Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry.
Addressing the cheering crowd, Dion Ngute underscored that the project was a direct fulfillment of President Biya’s vision to make mining one of the key pillars of Cameroon’s economy. He called on the people of Adamawa to remain steadfast in their support for the Head of State, stressing that such development projects prove that the region is firmly on the national growth agenda.
“This project is not just about extracting bauxite; it is about transforming the lives of the people here,” the Prime Minister declared. “When completed, it will enrich the local economy, provide thousands of jobs, and place Cameroon among the major players in global aluminum production.”
Experts explained that the Minim-Martap deposit, ranked among the richest in the world, holds an ore reserve of 144 million tonnes with an impressive alumina content of 51.2%.
The mine will initially produce 10 million tonnes annually, generating about $174 million in annual cash flow. Its strategic location near the main railway line linking Adamawa to the port city of Douala will facilitate cost-effective exportation.
Beyond mining, the project includes significant infrastructure development, a 45-kilometre access road, rail extensions, and a dedicated bauxite terminal on the banks of the Wouri River near Dibamba. These investments are expected to turn Adamawa into a hub for industrial activity, opening new opportunities for transport, trade, and service providers.
Economic projections are equally promising
The project is expected to create 1,400 direct jobs and more than 4,000 indirect opportunities, a major boost for local employment. The state will receive 10% of the mineral value, while host communities will benefit directly from 1% of the project’s revenues, a mechanism aimed at ensuring inclusive growth.
Backed by $160 million in secured funding, the first phase of production is scheduled for the first half of 2026, with commercial activities already underway since February 2025. A second phase will double port capacity to handle increased cargo volumes, cementing the project’s role as a driver of long-term development.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by urging the population to protect and support the project, reminding them that its success depends on their collaboration with the government and private investors. “This is your project. Own it, defend it, and benefit from it,” he told the crowd.
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