Cameroon asserts sovereignty over strategic mining resources
In a decisive move, Cameroon has transferred control of the Lomié-Nkamouna cobalt, nickel, and manganese deposit from the foreign firm Geovic to the state-owned National Mining Company (Sonamines). The presidential decree, dated February 25, 2025, ends 23 years of stalled development and signals a shift toward greater state stewardship of strategic mineral resources.
The site, located in Cameroon’s eastern forests, has long been dormant despite its significant potential.
The state takeover is framed as an assertion of economic sovereignty, positioning mineral wealth as a lever for sustainable development, job creation, and national economic power.
Sonamines has launched an international call for expressions of interest, outlining clear requirements for potential partners a move that reflects a structured, planned approach to development.
The project is projected to attract over 1.2 trillion CFA francs in investment and create nearly 1,200 direct and indirect jobs.
Under the leadership President Paul Biya, the decision reinforces a narrative of state authority, strategic autonomy, and institutional stability.
In a region marked by international competition for critical minerals, Cameroon’s action emphasizes environmental responsibility, local economic benefit, and controlled, transparent partnership frameworks.
The Lomié-Nkamouna deposit now symbolizes a broader national vision: one where the state directs resource development, aligns extraction with long-term growth, and positions Cameroon as a structured and reliable actor in the global minerals market.
Eric Nzeuhlong
