Cameroon’s National Mining Corporation (Sonamines) has published the results of a call for expressions of interest to recruit a consultant to carry out a high-precision geophysical study on the Sikoum exploration permit. The announcement, released in a statement dated December 15, 2025, marks a new step in assessing the mining potential of the area.
Following the preselection process, four specialized firms were retained: Africa Geoproject, Le Competing, Bhygraph Géotechnique, and Sitech Sarl. These companies are invited to compete for the assignment, which involves conducting an in-depth geophysical study over two blocks of 100 hectares each.
The planned study is intended to refine geological knowledge of the site in order to precisely identify structures likely to host economically exploitable mineral resources. This technical work represents a key upstream stage ahead of any investment or mining development decision on the perimeter concerned.
According to the terms of reference published by Sonamines, the selected consultant will be required to collect and process electrical data, produce 2D and 3D maps of lithological formations, develop detailed geological models, and recommend optimal locations for future core drilling. The results of the campaign are expected to provide the state-owned company with a solid scientific basis for planning the potential exploitation phase of the Sikoum limestone deposit.
The initiative falls under the Sikoum exploration permit, granted to Sonamines by ministerial order on June 27, 2023, by the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development. The permit, dedicated to limestone exploration, aims to deepen knowledge of the deposit with a view to possible future industrial development.
By combining high-precision geophysical work with a regulatory framework in place since 2023, Sonamines is seeking to secure the technical parameters required for any eventual industrial development of the Sikoum limestone deposit.
Amina Malloum
