(Ecofin Agency) - With over 100 million tonnes of ore reserves, the Minim Martap project is poised to become Cameroon's first bauxite mine. The project's owner, Canyon Resources, plans to use the existing rail infrastructure to move the mine’s output

Canyon Resources secured the Cameroonian government’s approval for the location of its inland rail facility. In a press release dated February 4, 2025, the company announced that the bauxite produced at the Minim Martap mine will be loaded at the facility, before being moved by rail to the port of Douala.

Minim Martap is recognized as Cameroon's leading bauxite mine, with proven reserves of 109 million tonnes. In recent years, Canyon has intensified efforts to ensure that future bauxite production can be exported via rail. Alongside the recent government approval, the company disclosed last month that it secured a loan from one of its shareholders, Eagle Eye Asset (EEA), to acquire 22 locomotives and 550 railcars for transportation.

“The approval for the location of the IRF is a timely achievement for the company following the recently announced underwriting agreement with EEA to finance the purchase of rolling stock. Key details from these agreements are being factored into the ongoing DFS and the increased oversight of logistics provides Canyon stability in progressing our project,” Canyon Resources CEO Jean Sebastien Boutet said.

Besides the feasibility study, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025, additional work is required for the mine to commence production. The company must also finalize negotiations with Camrail and the Port of Douala regarding operational agreements for rail and port infrastructure. 

The next step will involve securing financing to construct the mine, as a mining convention already exists between Cameroon and Canyon. The government has also granted a mining permit for Minim Martap.

Emiliano Tossou