Cameroon tightens gold sector controls over alleged production underreporting

The Cameroonian government has announced stricter controls in the gold sector to combat the underreporting of production by some private operators, a practice authorities say is depriving the state of significant tax and customs revenues. Speaking at a joint press conference on Wednesday, July 15, the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Fuh Calistus Gentry, said the main issue was not necessarily the disappearance of state-owned gold, but rather the failure of some companies to declare the full volume of their production.

“The main problem does not necessarily lie in the disappearance of gold belonging to the state, but in the under-declaration of part of the production carried out by certain private operators,” the minister said. The move comes as Cameroon’s mining sector faces growing criticism over the limited financial benefits generated from gold exploitation. According to authorities, production underreporting is causing losses in mining taxes and export revenues.

Stronger monitoring measures

To address the issue, the government plans to increase inspections at mining sites, introduce minimum gold delivery thresholds, improve monitoring of mineral recovery processes and strengthen traceability throughout the production chain.

The authorities also announced a continued clean-up of the sector. More than 200 companies are reportedly operating mining activities without valid permits or proper authorization, while 137 cases have already been referred to judicial authorities.

The government also intends to stop the misuse of exploration permits for mining operations. “An exploration permit is intended for research activities aimed at identifying and assessing a deposit,” Fuh Calistus Gentry recalled.

Billions lost through illegal gold exports

The Cameroonian government estimates that illegal gold exports to the United Arab Emirates have cost the country around 2,000 billion CFA francs (about $3.5 billion) over the past five years.

A 2023 report by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), published in December, highlighted major discrepancies between official production figures and international trade data.

According to official statistics, Cameroon produced 953 kilograms of gold in 2023, but only 22.3 kilograms were officially exported. Meanwhile, importing countries reported receiving 15.2 tonnes of Cameroonian gold — a figure 682 times higher than declared exports.

Cameroon seeks to boost mining revenues

The government’s announcement is part of broader efforts to better regulate a mining sector considered strategic for economic development. Cameroon hopes to increase revenues from its mineral resources, including gold, iron, diamonds, bauxite and cobalt.

The country adopted a new mining code in 2023 as part of its strategy to attract investment while improving state control over natural resources.

Authorities have also confirmed the launch of several industrial mining projects, including iron ore developments at Bipindi-Grand Zambi and Kribi-Lobé, as Cameroon seeks to transform its mineral wealth into a stronger driver of economic growth.