Document Type : Review Paper
Authors
- M. Anselme Kamga 1
- S. Nzali 2
- C. O. Olatubara 3
- A. Adenikinju 4
- E. A. Akintunde 5
- M. P. Kemeng 6
- F. W.D. Nguimatsia 7
- E. A. Ndip 8
- C. Fuanya 7
1 Department of Environmental Management, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria and Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon
2 School of Wood, Water, and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Ebolowa Campus, Ebolowa, Cameroon
3 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
4 Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics, and Law, Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
5 Department of Environmental Management, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
6 Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon and Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Technological Development, Yaounde, Cameroon
7 Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon and Department of Geosciences, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
8 Department of Geosciences, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Cameroon has a strong geological potential for a number of mineral resources that, if well managed, could support economic growth. The country contains potentially large deposits of iron ore, gold, bauxite, diamond, limestone, nickel, and gemstones, and indices of other numerous minerals and precious metals. Despite its geological wealth, mining has never played a major role in Cameroon’s economic development. A study on the state of sustainable development and environmental challenges in the Cameroon mining sector permits the identification of key points for improvement in order to position the country towards achieving a sustainable mining industry in the future. This paper reviews the mining potential, stakeholder participation, legislation, and mining policy in Cameroon mining industry. The methodology involves a single case study focused on the review of sustainable development in the Cameroon mining industry up to date. It includes scientific studies, and reports of ministries and support organizations, national laws, and regulations related to the area of study. Also the corporate sustainability reports of mining companies and mining stakeholders are analyzed. This research work covers the latest developments in terms of the institutional and regulatory frameworks for mining and the environment in the country, history of mining in Cameroon, and evolution and issues of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) system in the mining sector until 2016. The work concludes with an identification of the current challenges of implementing sustainable development in mining as well as future directions that research works on this area should take.
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