As Cameroon intensifies efforts to convert its vast mineral wealth into sustained economic value, the transformation of the mining sector is increasingly associated with the leadership of Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Interim Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development. Appointed at a decisive moment, he is guiding a shift away from fragmented and informal exploitation toward a regulated, industrial system designed to serve national development goals.
A technocrat by training, Minister Gentry has focused on turning policy decisions into practical outcomes. His tenure has been marked by the advancement of long-delayed mining projects, the strengthening of state institutions, and the introduction of reforms aimed at restoring transparency in a sector historically challenged by weak oversight.
Concrete progress is now visible on the ground.
In the South Region, iron ore has become the flagship of Cameroon’s industrial mining ambitions. Two major projects, officially launched by the Prime Minister with Minister Gentry in attendance, are laying the foundation for large-scale production and export. At the Bipindi–Grand Zambi site, mining operations have effectively begun.
During a working visit in April 2025, the minister confirmed that roughly 600,000 tonnes of iron ore had already been extracted and stockpiled, with a target of seven million tonnes before processing starts. Two processing plants currently under construction are expected to produce high-grade concentrate for export, positioning Cameroon for its first significant entry into the global iron ore market.
Supporting this production drive is the Kribi–Lobé Mineral Terminal, a purpose-built export facility whose foundation stone has been laid. Long constrained by inadequate infrastructure, the mining sector stands to benefit significantly from this dedicated outlet, which is expected to streamline mineral exports and reduce logistical costs.
Further north, the Minim–Martap bauxite project is advancing steadily. Widely regarded as Cameroon’s first major bauxite mine, it is expected to make its initial shipment by mid-2026. Minister Gentry played a central role in the signing of the mining convention for this premium-grade deposit, which authorities consider a strategic national priority. Beyond exports, the project is seen as a potential catalyst for downstream industrial development, particularly in aluminum-related industries.
While these projects capture public attention, much of Minister Gentry’s work has focused on addressing deep-seated structural weaknesses. A sector assessment conducted in 2025 highlighted persistent challenges, including outdated geological data, limited funding for exploration, weak traceability systems, and widespread informality, especially in artisanal gold mining. These issues have long obscured the true economic contribution of the sector.
In response, the government has anchored its reforms in the new Mining Code adopted in December 2023. The legislation clarifies licensing procedures, reinforces state participation in mining ventures, and strengthens regulatory oversight. A key aspect of the reform is the expanded mandate of the state-owned National Mining Company, SONAMINES, which now holds exclusive rights to purchase and market gold and diamonds. This measure is intended to curb illicit trade and improve the capture of public revenue.
Early results suggest a gradual shift toward formalization. In 2023, SONAMINES officially transferred 170.9 kilograms of gold to the state, generating around five billion CFA francs for public finances. Authorities point to the significant increase in officially recorded gold volumes in 2024 as evidence that more production is entering formal channels, rather than as an indication of sudden changes in output.
Alongside regulatory reforms, the ministry is investing in industrial capacity. Plans are underway for an enclosed gold processing unit in Ketté, as well as a national gold refinery designed to meet international standards. These initiatives aim to retain more value within Cameroon by reducing reliance on raw exports.
Minister Gentry’s mandate extends beyond extraction. Defined by the Prime Minister’s Office, his responsibilities include promoting local transformation of raw materials, encouraging industrial growth, and fostering technological development. These objectives align closely with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on imports.
Within government, Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry is often described as an implementer rather than a political figurehead. His role has been to prepare the mining map, manage resources, and execute the directives of the Head of State with a focus on long-term structural change.
As debates occasionally arise over discrepancies in mining statistics, particularly in gold production, analysts note that such gaps reflect legacy problems rather than recent policy failures. The reforms currently being implemented are designed precisely to bring hidden flows into the formal economy.
Taken together, the projects advancing under Minister Gentry’s leadership and the institutional reforms reshaping the sector point to a clear trajectory. Cameroon’s mining industry is moving away from informal potential toward a regulated, industrial reality, with the promise of becoming a more reliable contributor to national development in the years ahead.
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