Women of MINMIDT: Committed leaders for responsible and profitable mining and industrialization for our country

8 March 2026

The celebration of the 46th edition of International Women’s Day took on special significance this year, marked by the ongoing reorganization of Cameroon’s mining sector.

Women of the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT) were particularly recognized for their growing role in implementing the country’s mining policies and advancing responsible industrial development.

During the commemoration, it was highlighted that female staff of the ministry are actively contributing to the operationalization of key mining strategies aimed at strengthening the sector’s contribution to national development.

As part of these efforts, four major sectors have been identified and are currently being implemented.

First is the iron sector, structured around two main axes.

The Ocean Axis brings together the iron ore projects of Ngovayang, Ntem, Grand Zambi and Mamélé de Lobé. These deposits are characterized by relatively lower ore grades but benefit from their proximity to the Kribi Port Authority, which significantly reduces transportation and infrastructure development costs.

The second, the Mbalam–Nkout Axis, stands out for its higher-quality ore, naturally enriched to around 62% iron content. However, these deposits are located much farther from the Kribi Port Authority, requiring the construction of major infrastructure and higher investment costs for transportation and logistics.

Next is the bauxite sector. With the effective launch of mining operations at Minim-Martap, nine key components of the project have been outlined, ranging from the mining stage to the construction of a processing plant that will transform bauxite into alumina. The arrival of 160 wagons is expected in the coming months.

The limestone sector is equally gaining momentum, with the Bidzar limestone mining project expected to support clinker production, a key input in cement manufacturing. Meanwhile, the mining of limestone in Mintom is scheduled to begin in 2027.

Finally, the gold sector includes three major projects already in operation: the gold mining projects of Mborguene, Bibemi and Colomine, which continue to contribute to the expansion of Cameroon’s mining industry.

Speaking during the reception organized as part of the celebration at Hôtel Les Girafes, the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development(ai), Fuh Calistus Gentry, commended the strong participation of women within the ministry. He praised their dedication and their active role in implementing the mining policy defined by the Head of State, noting that their engagement remains essential to building a more responsible and profitable mining sector for the country.