Cameroon has intensified its crackdown on illegal gold mining operations, ordering hundreds of non compliant operators to halt activities as authorities move to recover lost export revenue and regain control over a largely informal sector.
Government officials say roughly 200 companies are currently operating illegally within the country’s artisanal and semi mechanised gold mining industry, particularly in the mineral rich East and Adamaoua regions. The scale of the issue has raised concerns about revenue leakages, environmental damage and weak regulatory oversight.
According to Mines Minister ad interim Fuh Calistus Gentry, more than 95 percent of the identified operators are foreign entities, highlighting the international dimension of the challenge facing the government.
In a directive issued on May 13, authorities ordered all companies without valid mining permits, or those failing to meet legal and regulatory requirements, to immediately suspend operations and dismantle their gold processing facilities.
The statement made clear that failure to comply would trigger enforcement actions, including forced dismantling of sites by administrative authorities backed by security forces. The government also warned that the cost of such interventions would be charged directly to the operators, alongside potential legal consequences.
The move forms part of a broader effort by Cameroon to formalise its mining sector and improve governance over natural resource exploitation. Gold remains one of the country’s most valuable mineral resources, but a significant portion of production has historically occurred outside official channels.
Illegal mining activities have long been associated with revenue losses for the state, as unregulated exports bypass taxation systems and official reporting mechanisms. This has limited the government’s ability to fully benefit from its natural resource wealth.
Authorities say the crackdown is also aimed at addressing environmental and social concerns linked to informal mining. Artisanal and semi mechanised operations often involve deforestation, water pollution and unsafe working conditions, posing risks to both ecosystems and local communities.
The government’s latest actions follow earlier consultations between the Ministry of Mines and the Sonamines, which is tasked with overseeing mining activities and promoting transparency in the sector.
Analysts say the presence of a high number of foreign operators in illegal mining reflects growing global demand for gold, which has driven increased activity across Africa’s mineral rich regions. However, weak enforcement mechanisms have allowed informal operations to thrive.
By tightening regulations and enforcing compliance, the government aims to bring more operators into the formal economy, ensuring that mining activities contribute to national development through taxes, royalties and job creation.
The crackdown also signals Cameroon’s intention to align its mining sector with international standards, particularly as global investors increasingly prioritise transparency, environmental responsibility and legal compliance.
However, experts caution that enforcement alone may not be sufficient. Long term success will depend on strengthening institutional capacity, improving licensing processes and creating incentives for informal miners to transition into the formal sector.
As the government moves forward with its campaign, the outcome will likely shape the future of Cameroon’s gold industry and determine how effectively the country can harness its mineral resources for sustainable economic growth.
