Omanghana
Cameroon has launched a sweeping regulatory crackdown on its gold mining sector after government audits revealed that the country may have lost an estimated CFA 2 trillion (about US$3.4 billion–US$3.5 billion) over the past five years due to illegal exports, smuggling, and widespread under-reporting of production.
The findings, disclosed by Serge Hervé Boyogueno, Director General of the National Mining Corporation (Sonamines), have triggered a major government response, including the suspension of operations involving more than 216 mostly foreign-owned mining companies.
Acting Mines Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry ordered the immediate dismantling of gravel-processing facilities operated by the affected companies as authorities move to restore control over the country’s gold resources.
Massive Gap Between Cameroon Exports and International Records
At the center of the crisis is a significant discrepancy between Cameroon’s official gold export figures and import data recorded by destination markets, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Government and industry audits revealed:
- Between 2021 and 2025, Cameroon’s customs records showed official gold exports of only 44 to 148 kilograms.
- During the same period, UAE trade records indicated that between 44 and 48 tonnes of gold arrived from Cameroon.
The figures suggest that large volumes of gold may have left the country without being properly declared or taxed.
2023 Export Discrepancy
Data from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) highlighted an even wider gap in 2023.
Cameroon officially reported only 22.3 kilograms of gold exports, while international trade databases recorded approximately 15.2 tonnes (15,194 kilograms) of Cameroonian gold entering Dubai.
That represents nearly 600 times more gold than the amount declared by authorities in Yaoundé.
Billions Lost Through Illegal Gold Trade
An expanded analysis covering the period from 2012 to 2023 estimated that approximately 92 tonnes of gold may have left Cameroon through illegal channels.
The lost revenue includes up to CFA 843.8 billion (about US$1.47 billion) in unpaid taxes, customs duties, and government revenues.
Officials say the issue is not primarily the disappearance of government-owned gold reserves but rather a sophisticated system of private-sector under-reporting and illegal export networks.
Foreign-Owned Mining Companies Under Scrutiny
Government investigators have identified foreign operators as the dominant players involved in the alleged irregularities.
More than 95% of the 216 suspended semi-mechanized mining companies are reportedly foreign-owned, with many linked to Chinese mining groups.
Authorities accuse some operators of exploiting weak oversight systems, particularly in the East and Adamawa regions, where much of Cameroon’s gold production takes place.
Alleged practices include:
- Under-declaring actual production volumes.
- Paying illegal incentives to local intermediaries.
- Moving gold through unofficial border routes.
- Using private transportation networks to bypass regulatory controls.
Government Introduces Tougher Mining Rules
To address revenue losses and strengthen oversight, Cameroon’s Ministry of Mines has introduced several major reforms.
Minimum Gold Delivery Requirements
The government plans to introduce mandatory production thresholds requiring companies to declare and deliver minimum quantities of gold to Sonamines.
For example, mining operators managing between five and 15 production units will be required to deliver at least 5 kilograms of gold per month.
The policy aims to prevent companies from artificially reducing reported output.
Environmental Compliance Measures
Suspended companies seeking to resume operations will be required to:
- Pay an environmental bond exceeding US$112,000.
- Adopt environmentally safer closed-circuit processing systems.
- Complete the transition within six months.
The measures are designed to address both revenue losses and environmental damage linked to informal mining activities.
Criminal Investigations Expand
Beyond operational suspensions, the government has escalated enforcement actions.
Authorities have already referred 137 cases involving unauthorized mining activities and alleged fraud to state courts for criminal prosecution.
Officials say the crackdown is part of a broader effort to protect national resources, increase transparency in the mining industry, and ensure that Cameroon benefits fully from its gold wealth.
With gold prices remaining strong globally, the government is seeking to transform the sector from a source of revenue leakage into a major contributor to national development.
Source: Omanghana
