Exporting Gold or Diamonds from Cameroon: Which License Do You Need?
Author: Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMITD)
Published: July 13, 2025
Category: Mining & Export Licensing
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://minmitd.com
Phone: +237 221 521 660
Exporting precious minerals from Cameroon—whether gold, rough diamonds, or other strategic minerals—requires strict compliance with national mining legislation and CEMAC regional regulations.
As the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMITD), our mandate is to ensure transparent, legal, and traceable mineral trade.
This guide helps exporters, investors, and international buyers understand exactly which license is required, how to apply, and how to avoid fraud.
⭐ Key Takeaway
Different minerals require different export permits, and using the wrong document can result in:
- Seizure of goods
- Export bans
- Criminal prosecution
- Permanent revocation of trading rights
🔍 Which License Do You Need to Export from Cameroon?
✅ 1. Gold Export License (Gold Export Permit)
To legally export gold from Cameroon, exporters MUST obtain:
- ✔ Gold Export Permit — issued by MINMITD
- ✔ CEMAC Buyer’s Permit — required for all foreign buyers
- ✔ CAPAM registration — for traceability of artisanal mining
- ✔ PRECASEM approval — compliance for small-scale and community mining projects
Start Here: Required Gold Export Documents
- Apply for Gold Export Permit – 2025 Guide
https://minmitd.com/2019/07/11/gold-export-permit-cameroon-2025/ - CEMAC Gold Buying Permit – 2025
https://minmitd.com/2025/04/12/cemac-gold-buying-permit-cameroon-2025/ - Avoid Gold Scams in Cameroon
https://minmitd.com/2021/02/12/avoid-gold-scams-cameroon/
✅ 2. Rough Diamond Export License
To export rough diamonds, exporters must comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
Requirements:
- ✔ Rough Diamond Export License (MINMITD)
- ✔ Kimberley Process Certification
- ✔ CEMAC Buyer’s Permit
- ✔ Mine-to-market traceability verification
Key Diamond Resources
- Invest in the Cameroon Diamond Sector – 2025
https://minmitd.com/2025/07/13/invest-in-cameroon-diamond-sector/ - Verify Legitimate Sellers in Cameroon
https://minmitd.com/2019/01/01/verify-legitimate-gold-diamond-seller-cameroon/
✅ 3. Exporting Other Minerals (Cobalt, Coltan, Tantalite, Bauxite, Quartz & More)
Exporters of industrial or strategic minerals must obtain:
- ✔ Exploration License or Exploitation License
- ✔ Export Authorization (MINMITD)
- ✔ Tax clearance & export insurance
- ✔ APROCOM registration (for commercial validation)
Learn More:
- Invest in Cameroon Mining Sector – 2025
https://minmitd.com/2021/02/11/invest-in-cameroon-mining-sector-2025/ - Invest in Cobalt, Nickel, Tantalite – 2025
https://minmitd.com/2025/07/13/invest-cobalt-nickel-coltan-tantalite-cameroon/
🌍 Do You Need a CEMAC Buyer’s Permit? — YES
Foreign buyers cannot purchase or export gold, diamonds, or minerals from Cameroon without a valid CEMAC Buyer’s Permit.
This regional license allows you to:
- Legally purchase minerals from authorized sellers
- Export minerals within CEMAC and globally
- Avoid fraud, seizure, and fake documents
- Access government-verified supply channels
Essential CEMAC Resources:
- CEMAC Permit Application Guide
https://minmitd.com/2020/02/04/cemac-buyers-permit-2025/ - CEMAC Permit Download
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2020/08/14/cemac-permit-application-form-download/ - Avoid CEMAC Permit Scams
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2021/11/12/avoid-cemac-permit-scams-or-mistake/
📄 Required Export Documents (Checklist)
| Document | Issued By | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| CEMAC Buyer’s Permit | CEMAC Secretariat | All mineral exports |
| Gold or Diamond Export Permit | MINMITD | Gold & Diamond exports |
| Export Insurance | Insurance partner | Export safety & risk cover |
| Tax Clearance | Cameroon Tax Dept. | Compliance |
| CAPAM Certificate | CAPAM | Gold traceability |
| PRECASEM Compliance | PRECASEM | Small-scale mining |
| APROCOM Registration | APROCOM | Market validation |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I export gold from Cameroon without a permit?
No. Exporting gold without a MINMITD Gold Export Permit and a CEMAC Buyer’s Permit is illegal.
👉 Apply here:
https://minmitd.com/2019/07/11/gold-export-permit-cameroon-2025/
Q2: How long does it take to get an export permit?
Processing time is typically 7–21 working days, depending on:
- Document completeness
- Mineral type
- Background verification
View full process:
https://minmitd.com/2020/09/16/apply-mining-license-cameroon-gold-export-permit/
Q3: How can I avoid scams or fake sellers?
Always verify through:
- Permit Verification Page: https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/permit-verification/
- Document Authentication: https://minmitd.com/2019/02/13/authenticate-mining-license-export-documents-cameroon/
Q4: Do I need a waiver certificate?
In some cases, exporters may require a Gold/Diamond Waiver Certificate.
Learn more below:
https://minmitd.com/2024/07/19/gold-diamond-waiver-certificate-cameroon/
🚨 Avoid Fraud & Fake Documentation
MINMITD strongly warns buyers to:
- Avoid middlemen with no office or authorization
- Verify every seller, permit, and export license
- Use only documents issued by MINMITD & CEMAC
- Report all suspicious activity immediately
🛡️ Report Fake Permits or Sellers
https://minmitd.com/2025/03/12/fake-mining-permits-cameroon-how-to-report/
🧭 How to Start the Export Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Identify the mineral you want to export.
- Apply for the appropriate MINMITD Export Permit.
- Register with CAPAM / PRECASEM / APROCOM where required.
- Apply for your CEMAC Buyer’s Permit.
- Verify seller documentation and pay required taxes.
- Ship minerals via certified customs & export channels.
📞 Contact MINMITD (Official Channels Only)
Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMITD)
📍 Republic of Cameroon
📧 Email: [email protected]
☎ Tel: +237 221 521 660
🌐 Website: https://minmitd.com
📌 Call to Action
Are you ready to export legally, invest securely, and partner with Cameroon’s official regulatory authority?
👉 Start Your Application
- Apply for Export Permit
https://minmitd.com/2025/07/13/gold-diamond-export-license-cameroon/ - Apply for CEMAC Buyer’s Permit
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/application/ - Contact MINMITD
https://minmitd.com/2022/11/05/contact-ministry-of-mines-cameroon-mining-permits-cemac-buyers-permit/
🛡️ Final Word from the Ministry
Cameroon welcomes responsible investors. Exporting gold, diamonds, and minerals is highly profitable—but only when done legally, ethically, and with full government compliance.
Partner with MINMITD to ensure transparency, safety, and guaranteed export rights.

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