CI-NEWS

CIMEC 2019 recommends text of application for Cameroon’s mining code

2019-09-10

No: 446

CIMEC 2019 recommends text of application for Cameroon’s mining code.

Cameroon has definitely emerged from the holding of the third edition of the Cameroon International Investment Mining and Exhibition Conference (CIMEC 2019) that held from 2 to 4 September a more credible country to do mining business with. But for the country to attract more mining companies to set up shop, it must embark on the urgent finalization of and enactment of all the texts implementing the Mining Code.

This is one of the recommendations made at the end of the conference last Wednesday.

For two days participants made up of exhibitors, delegates, national and international panelists, including experts in related activities in the mining sector such as lawyers, economists, bankers, insurance companies, environmentalists, universities explored new mining opportunities in Cameroon based on results of airborne geophysical surveys carried out by PRECASEM over a five-year period with the World Bank.

Participants also recommended the construction of a national sample analysis laboratory in the geological and mining field in collaboration with private operators.

They further called for the institutionalization and operationalization of a platform of exchanges between the Administration in charge of the mines and the academic institutes specialized in the trades of the mine.

Other conclusions arrived at were:

consolidating and sustaining the achievements of PRECASEM by setting up a dedicated agency;

facilitating access to students' academic courses and promoting their professional integration;

improving the supply of various equipment to university institutions;

the establishment of a charter on local content in the Republic of Cameroon;

the valorization and the deepening of the studies and the results obtained during the work carried out by PRECASEM in collaboration with the university world and the private operators;

the promotion of mining projects at financial institutions and the support of juniors; and

the publication of the CIMEC acts.

Time for action:

The successful holding of CIMEC 2019 is expected to open the floodgates for more mining activities in Cameroon with mining industries setting up shop. Gabriel Dodo Ndoke, minister of mines, industry and technological development (MINMIDT) declared at the closing of the conference last Wednesday that the implementing instruments of the 2016 mining code would be signed in the coming days. He called on minining companies to move from words to action just as government had promised to do.

The MINMIDT boss promised that companies seeking mining permits would have conditions for obtainment simplified. He said a list of all permits would be made public and the popularisation of available data on mining operations will be made available.

For his part, Dr Fuh Calistus Gentry, Secretary of State at MINMIDT,who was President of the Organising Committee for the conference, was pleased that investment conference had largely attained its objectives. He said CIMEC is a logo which should be protected for future generations.

Bubbling with confidence, he declared: “We are hoping that it will take years for researchers to digest the mineral occurrences. We invite laboratories, mining companies to attest to the fact that Cameroon is a good country to do business. The Conference will rekindle interest in profound research, will encourage the setting up of related industries.”

The MINMIDT SS thanked the World Bank and PRECASEM project for collaborating to make CIMEC a centre of attraction

He extended kudos to the strategic partner for not bowing out in face of difficulties.

Dr Fuh Calistus appreciated ERAMET and CAMINCO for taking the plunge to invest in Cameroon. He saidthough not yet established in Cameroon, ERAMET which was the only diamond sponsor is proving it is going to be a very viable partner in supporting the mining industry in Cameroon. He said CAMINCO, despite being only in exploration presented self as only gold sponsor.

Following is his appraisal at the end of conference

This is the last day of the conference but you still have many people which shows that they have responded to the call. So I think we have made what Cameroon has to be known the world over. All this will be published in international journals and we hope that many people will make Cameroon their destination in the mining activity. By the way CIMEC is meant to be a place, a level ground for the negotiation of mining contracts in Africa. We are specially honoured by the minister from Central African Republic and other members of government”.

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CIMEC 2019 recommends text of application for Cameroon’s mining code