Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
Kribi has become the epicenter of Cameroon’s industrial future as two major mining development projects officially saw the light of day on Monday, September 22, 2025.
Representing the Head of State, Prime Minister Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute inaugurated the Bipindi–Grand Zambi Iron Ore Project and laid the foundation stone for the Kribi-Lobe Mineral Terminal, marking a decisive step in President Paul Biya’s vision of transforming Cameroon into a mining hub in Africa.
The dual ceremonies drew a high-level government delegation including the Interim Minister of Mines, Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry; Minister of State for Higher Education, Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo; Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe; and Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng, alongside traditional authorities, local officials, and a large crowd of residents.
Bipindi–Grand Zambi: Cameroon’s first major iron ore export project
The first stop for the Prime Minister was Bipindi, where he launched the country’s pioneering industrial iron ore mine, developed by G-Stone Resources SA.
With an estimated reserve of 150 million tonnes of magnetite ore, the project is expected to produce up to 3 million tonnes of 65% iron concentrate annually, supported by processing plants and a planned steel complex.
PM Dion Ngute described the project as “a historic moment for the metallurgy and steel industry in Cameroon”, noting its alignment with the National Development Strategy and Vision 2035.
He stressed the project’s capacity to spur industrialisation, create 3,500 jobs, and inject significant resources into the State’s coffers through taxes, royalties, and special mining funds.
The Mayor of Bipindi, Elias Bilong, welcomed the project as “a blessing” for the South Region, promising community support for its success, while Dieudonné Bougne, CEO of G-Stone Resources, thanked the Head of State and local populations for over a decade of sustained collaboration.
Kribi-Lobe: Foundation stone laid for strategic mineral terminal
After the Bipindi inauguration, the Prime Minister headed to Kribi to preside over the laying of the foundation stone for the mineral terminal of the Kribi-Lobe Iron Ore Project, spearheaded by SINOSTEEL Cameroon SA.
The deposit, with reserves of 632 million tonnes of iron ore valued at US$36 billion, is set to produce 8 million tonnes annually over an estimated lifespan of 45 years. The mineral terminal will allow shipments of up to 14 million tonnes of iron concentrate each year, ensuring Cameroon’s direct entry into global iron ore export markets.
The agreement between SINOSTEEL and the Kribi Autonomous Port (PAK) will see the State share in both the turnover and terminal revenue, providing fresh resources for the national treasury while strengthening Cameroon’s industrial base.
Strategic leap for Cameroon’s mining future
By launching these two interconnected projects, Cameroon takes a bold step toward becoming a regional leader in mining and metallurgy.
The Prime Minister underscored that beyond boosting exports, the ventures will stimulate industrial value chains, support local economies, and align with the Head of State’s vision of a self-sustaining, industrialised Cameroon by 2035.
For the people of Bipindi, Kribi, and beyond, the projects mark not only a milestone in national development but also the dawn of new opportunities in jobs, infrastructure, and community growth.
