CAMALCO's Cameroon Bauxite Rail Transport Plans Advance with COMIFER Approval

• CAMALCO plans to transport bauxite from Minim Martap to Douala Port by rail, with initial ore transport expected in Q3 2026 and first shipment in Q4 2026.
• Seven locomotives are undergoing testing, with additional wagons expected to expand the fleet.
• The inland transport of ore and export procedures are subject to regulations that must be complied with.
• The implementation of this new transportation plan may have implications for lawyers advising mining companies in Cameroon.

Seven locomotives acquired for the operation are currently undergoing testing, with additional wagons expected to expand the fleet as mining activity increases.

The Cameroonian subsidiary of Australian mining company Canyon Resources, CAMALCO, is set to begin transporting bauxite from the Minim Martap project to the Port of Douala by rail. This development was announced during a recent meeting of the Interministerial Committee for Railway Infrastructure (COMIFER) in Yaoundé. The committee, chaired by Transport Minister Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibéhè, noted the progress made and CAMALCO's intention to start transporting bauxite soon. Seven locomotives acquired for the operation are currently undergoing testing, with initial ore transport between the Inland Rail Facility and the Port of Douala scheduled to commence in the September quarter of 2026, and the first bauxite shipment targeted for the December quarter of 2026. Additional wagons are expected to expand the fleet as mining activity increases.

The implementation of this new transportation plan may have implications for lawyers advising mining companies in Cameroon. The inland transport of ore and export procedures are subject to regulations that must be complied with. While the announcement does not indicate a precise starting date or whether the first movements will involve tests or commercial volumes, it is essential for stakeholders to monitor the development closely. The Ministry of Transport's update suggests that the transportation plan is nearing completion, which may trigger compliance reviews and potential adjustments in procedures.

The introduction of rail transport for bauxite from Minim Martap to Douala Port marks a significant development in Cameroon's railway infrastructure. The project has the potential to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce costs, and increase export volumes. However, it also presents opportunities for regulatory scrutiny and potential adjustments in compliance procedures. As CAMALCO prepares to begin transporting bauxite by rail, stakeholders must carefully consider the implications of this new plan on their operations and ensure that they are meeting all relevant regulations.

Lawyers advising mining companies in Cameroon should watch for the implementation of this new transportation plan, which may impact compliance with regulations related to inland transport and export procedures.

Source: Original reporting via Cameroon's Ministry of Transport