Top 5 Minerals Exported by Cameroon and How to Get Involved Legally (2025 Guide)

Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT)
Republic of Cameroon
📧 [email protected]
📞 +237 221 521 660
🌐 https://minmitd.com/

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Introduction

Cameroon is one of Africa’s most resource-rich countries, renowned for its vast and diverse mineral deposits. From gold and diamonds to bauxite, cobalt, and iron ore, the mining sector contributes significantly to national growth while offering profitable opportunities for investors, traders, and mining companies worldwide.

However, operating in Cameroon’s mining industry requires strict compliance with national regulations enforced by the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT) and regional laws under CEMAC.

This official guide explains:

• The Top 5 minerals exported by Cameroon
• How to get involved legally
• Where to download application forms
• How to apply for permits, waivers, and licenses
• FAQs investors are asking

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Top 5 Minerals Exported by Cameroon

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1. Bauxite – Cameroon’s Strategic Export Commodity

Cameroon holds large bauxite deposits in the Central, Adamaoua, and West regions, making it a major supplier in Africa. Bauxite is the key raw material for aluminum production, essential for:

• Construction
• Aircraft & automotive manufacturing
• Industrial machinery

How to Get Involved Legally in Bauxite Export

To export bauxite, every investor must obtain a CEMAC Export Permit.

👉 Download CEMAC Permit Application Form
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2020/08/14/cemac-permit-application-form-download/

👉 CEMAC Buyer’s Permit Directory
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2024/12/23/cemac-buyers-permit-directory/

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2. Gold – Cameroon’s Most Demanded Export Mineral

Gold mining is booming in East, Adamawa, and South regions, with increasing foreign investment and government oversight to combat illegal trade.

How to Export Gold Legally

You must obtain:

• A Mining License (for production)
• A CEMAC Buyer’s Permit (for export)

👉 Apply for a Mining License in Cameroon
https://minmitd.com/2020/09/16/apply-mining-license-cameroon-gold-export-permit/

👉 Gold Export Permit Guide (2025)
https://minmitd.com/2019/07/11/gold-export-permit-cameroon-2025/

👉 CEMAC Gold Regulations
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2023/08/20/gold-and-precious-metals-from-the-cemac-region/

👉 Questions About Buyer’s Permits
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2022/05/12/questions-about-cemac-buyers-permits/

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3. Diamonds – A Highly Regulated and High-Value Export

Cameroon has significant diamond deposits in the East Region, generating high export revenue.

Requirements to Export Diamonds Legally

To trade diamonds, exporters MUST secure:

• CEMAC Export Permit
• Mining License
• Tax & Insurance compliance
• Verification from MINMIDT

👉 Verify Legitimate Diamond Sellers
https://minmitd.com/2019/01/01/verify-legitimate-gold-diamond-seller-cameroon/

👉 CEMAC Buyer’s Permit Application Form
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2022/04/12/cemac-buyers-permit-application-form/

👉 Apply for Diamond Mining License
https://minmitd.com/2025/07/13/invest-in-cameroon-diamond-sector/

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4. Iron Ore – Fueling Infrastructure & Industrial Growth

Large iron ore projects are being developed around Mbalam, Kribi, and Eastern Cameroon, positioning the country as a major regional supplier.

Requirements for Iron Ore Export

Exporters must:

• Obtain a CEMAC Export Permit
• Comply with mining taxation
• Acquire export insurance

👉 Mining Taxes
https://minmitd.com/taxes/

👉 Insurance Requirements
https://minmitd.com/insurance/

👉 Invest in Cameroon Iron Ore (Mbalam–Kribi)
https://minmitd.com/2025/07/13/invest-cameroon-iron-ore-mbalam-kribi/

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5. Cobalt – Essential for Batteries & Renewable Energy

Cobalt reserves in Cameroon are increasingly valuable due to global demand for:

• Electric vehicle batteries
• Renewable energy systems
• Aerospace applications

How to Export Cobalt Legally

Exporters must obtain:

• CEMAC Buyer’s Permit
• Environmental compliance
• Insurance & tax clearance

👉 Cobalt Export Permit Guide
https://minmitd.com/2025/07/13/invest-cobalt-nickel-coltan-tantalite-cameroon/

👉 CEMAC Buyer’s Permit Regulations
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2023/12/12/cemac-buyers-permit-requirements/

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How to Get Involved Legally in Cameroon’s Mining Sector – Step-by-Step

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Step 1: Apply for a Mining License

All mining and export operations require a valid license issued by MINMIDT.

👉 Apply here:
https://minmitd.com/2020/09/16/apply-mining-license-cameroon-gold-export-permit/

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Step 2: Obtain a CEMAC Export Permit

This regional permit is mandatory for all gold, diamond, bauxite, iron ore, and cobalt exports.

👉 Apply for the CEMAC Permit:
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2022/03/12/how-to-apply-for-a-cemac-buyers-permit/

👉 Verify CEMAC Permit Authenticity:
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/permit-verification/

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Step 3: Comply with Taxes & Insurance Regulations

👉 Mining Taxes in Cameroon
https://minmitd.com/taxes/

👉 Insurance Requirements
https://minmitd.com/insurance/

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Step 4: Obtain Environmental Compliance Waivers

👉 Environmental Waiver Certificate
https://minmitd.com/waivers/

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Step 5: Work Only with Registered Sellers & Exporters

👉 Verify Gold & Diamond Sellers
https://minmitd.com/2019/01/01/verify-legitimate-gold-diamond-seller-cameroon/

👉 Avoid Mining Permit Scams
https://minmitd.com/2025/03/12/fake-mining-permits-cameroon-how-to-report/

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Downloadable Forms & Application Links

✔ CEMAC Export Permit Form
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/2020/08/14/cemac-permit-application-form-download/

✔ Mining License Application
https://minmitd.com/2020/09/16/apply-mining-license-cameroon-gold-export-permit/

✔ Buyer’s Permit Application (Gold, Diamonds, Cobalt)
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/application/

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What permits do I need to export minerals from Cameroon?

You need a CEMAC Buyer’s Permit, a MINMIDT Mining License, and export tax/insurance compliance.

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2. How do I verify if a CEMAC permit is real?

Use the official permit verification portal:
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/permit-verification/

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3. Can foreign nationals buy gold or diamonds in Cameroon?

Yes. Foreign nationals can buy and export minerals ONLY after obtaining a CEMAC Buyer’s Permit.

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4. How long does a mining license application take?

Processing typically takes 10–21 business days, depending on the type of license and documentation completeness.

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5. What are the risks of buying minerals without permits?

Illegal operations may result in:

• Seizure of minerals
• Heavy fines
• Criminal charges
• Deportation

Always verify permits and operate through MINMIDT.

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Call to Action (CTA)

If you’re ready to invest in Cameroon’s mining sector, start your legal application today:

👉 Apply for a Mining License
https://minmitd.com/2020/09/16/apply-mining-license-cameroon-gold-export-permit/

👉 Get Your CEMAC Export Permit
https://cemacbuyerspermit.com/application/

👉 Learn How to Export Legally (2025 Guide)
https://minmitd.com/2016/09/06/top-minerals-exported-by-cameroon-how-to-export-legally/

For further guidance, contact the Ministry directly:

📧 [email protected]
📞 +237 221 521 660
🌐 https://minmitd.com/