The National Mining Corporation of Cameroon, SONAMINES S.A. has reopened the strategic Lomié–Nkamouna polymetallic mining project, launching an international call for expressions of interest to preselect technical and financial partners for its development and exploitation. The initiative targets the cobalt, nickel and manganese deposit located in the East Region and marks a new phase for a project considered central to the country’s mining and industrial strategy.
The move follows the withdrawal of the exploitation permit from Geovic Cameroon in February 2025 after more than 20 years without development, returning the site to state control. The Lomié–Nkamouna deposit is classified among Cameroon’s most significant known mineral resources. Existing studies estimate reserves of around 68 million tonnes of ore, with average grades of approximately 0.26 per cent cobalt, 0.66 per cent nickel and 1.48 per cent manganese.
These minerals are widely used in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries, special steels and equipment linked to the global energy transition. Authorities consider the deposit a potential driver of export revenue, industrial activity and upstream value addition if brought into production under internationally compliant conditions.
To qualify for the preselection, interested companies or consortia must demonstrate at least 15 years of proven experience in the mining sector, including operational exposure in Africa. Applicants are also required to show strong financial capacity, with a minimum average annual operating result of at least 150 million US dollars in the mining sector over the past five years. Participation is open to firms based in Cameroon or abroad.
Scope of Proposed Partnership
Under the envisaged partnership framework, selected partners will be expected to support SONAMINES across the full project cycle. This includes updating the detailed feasibility study in line with international standards and Cameroon’s legal and regulatory framework, revising the environmental and social impact assessment, and producing a comprehensive mine site rehabilitation plan.
The partners will also be responsible for financing the project, developing the reserves, and carrying out mining operations in accordance with national regulations and international best practices on safety, environmental protection, and social responsibility. The call for expressions of interest reflects a shift towards structuring the project around robust technical and financial partnerships, following the long period of inactivity that characterised previous ownership.
For the Cameroonian authorities, the relaunch of Lomié-Nkamouna is presented as an economic lever to diversify the national economy and strengthen the mining sector’s contribution to gross domestic product. The project is also seen as an opportunity to position Cameroon within the global value chain for critical minerals at a time of rising demand driven by electrification and energy transition policies worldwide.
By reopening the project to experienced international operators, SONAMINES aims to move the deposit from exploration and studies into an operational phase aligned with international mining standards and financing structures.
Mercy Fosoh
