Audience given with Delta Resources Cameroon plc
The Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development(ai), Professor Fuh Calitus Gentry, on Friday, 19 December, received in audience a consortium of international companies to discuss the restructuring of the Nkout iron mining project, with a view to its immediate commencement of operations.
Led by Delta Resources Cameroon plc, the discussions focused on accelerating the operational phase of the project. Key prerequisites, including the signing of the mining convention and the issuance of the mining permit, are expected to enable the start of production within six months.
The consortium comprises internationally renowned companies, notably Fomento Resources, KIOCL Limited, and VPR Mining Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd, whose objective is to promote local processing alongside mining operations.
During the meeting, representatives of Delta Resources Cameroon plc, speaking on behalf of the consortium, announced the full financing and construction of a School of Mines, Geology, and Petrochemistry in Cameroon’s South Region. This initiative aims to strengthen local capacity building and skills development in the extractive sector.
It is worth recalling that out of the 15 priority mining projects identified by the Government, seven are located in the South Region of Cameroon, underscoring the strategic importance of the area in the national mining development plan.
The consortium also announced the forthcoming launch of a preselection campaign for young graduates who will benefit from training scholarships, as well as the recruitment of qualified young professionals for mining operations.
The Nkout Iron Project is estimated to contain approximately 600 million tonnes of iron ore reserves, including 22 million tonnes of Direct Shipping Ore (DSO), with potential expansion to up to one billion tonnes. The project is projected to have a minimum operational lifespan of 50 years and is expected to serve as a significant driver of socio-economic development for local communities.
It should be noted that on 18 December, the project promoters, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT), administrative authorities, elected officials, and local community leaders, carried out a field visit to identify and assess the various project sites.
The audience concluded with a traditional group photograph.
