MINIM-MARTAP : Camrail and Camalco strengthen partnership to support bauxite exploitation

(LVDE) – As part of the industrial development of the Minim-Martap bauxite project, the two companies have reinforced their investments to ensure reliable railway infrastructure — a critical factor for the success of this rapidly expanding mining venture.

At the heart of Cameroon’s Adamaoua region, home to the Minim-Martap site, a strategic partnership is taking shape to support the exploitation of bauxite, a key mineral resource. Camrail, the company managing Cameroon’s national railway network under concession since 1999, and Camalco, the mining operator holding 9.1% of Camrail’s shares, are intensifying their investments to ensure the smooth transport of minerals. Their shared ambition is to make the railway a central driver of this major economic initiative.

As a major contributor to Cameroon’s socio-economic development, Camrail has made significant investments — exceeding FCFA 300 billion — in the maintenance and modernization of its railway infrastructure. These efforts, carried out in collaboration with the government and financial partners, have enabled the renewal of more than one-third of the network and the rehabilitation of 1,800 hydraulic structures. The locomotive fleet has also been significantly expanded, growing from 9 operational units to 39, including four dedicated to passenger transport.

In response to rising demand, Camrail is entering a new phase of expansion. The upcoming delivery of four new locomotives and 100 flatbed wagons marks a major milestone in strengthening its haulage and transport capacity. Furthermore, to meet safety and performance standards, the company has set an annual railway maintenance budget of FCFA 5.2 billion for 2025 — a notable increase compared to the previous average of FCFA 4.7 billion.

Recently, Camrail also invested FCFA 3.3 billion in acquiring new 54-kg rail lines and track equipment, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency. At the same time, the company contributes to local development by allocating FCFA 400 million annually to community initiatives, including borehole projects, educational programs, and healthcare activities.

Through partnerships with more than 300 Cameroonian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Camrail’s subcontracting network has generated approximately 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. On average, the company spends FCFA 35 billion each year on goods and services from local suppliers, thereby stimulating regional economic growth.

The Minim-Martap bauxite project represents a significant opportunity for Cameroon. By facilitating the transport of this valuable resource, Camrail and Camalco are contributing to a process that promises not only to boost the mining sector but also to promote sustainable economic development.

As bauxite exploitation expands, the railway stands out as a strategic axis for mineral transportation. Continued investment in railway infrastructure and the modernization of equipment are key to the success of the Minim-Martap project, which could reshape the economic landscape of the entire region.

With a strong commitment to innovation and local development, Camrail and Camalco are setting an example of how natural resource exploitation can go hand in hand with socio-economic and environmental responsibility. Supported by targeted investments, this partnership could redefine the standards of the mining industry in Cameroon — and serve as a model for similar projects across the continent.

Esther Grace