AN OPEN CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND FULL DISCLOSURE
I wish to begin by respectfully saluting the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Professor Fuh Calistus Gentry, for his announcement and his visit to Minta on October 27, 2026, accompanied by representatives of the United States Embassy.
Any genuine effort to discover, develop and responsibly exploit Cameroon's mineral wealth deserves recognition. Our country possesses considerable natural resources, and responsible mining investment can contribute significantly to employment, industrialization, infrastructure and national development.
However, there is an important distinction between discovering mineralization, establishing commercially exploitable mineral reserves, and demonstrating that the people of Cameroon will benefit economically from their exploitation.
THE OCTOBER 28 REPORT RAISES IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
According to a report published by Journal du Cameroun on October 28, 2026, Lion Rock Minerals is conducting exploration for rare earth elements and other strategic minerals at Minta in partnership with the American company Tronox.
The report describes ongoing exploration activities and identifies possible future benefits, including railway expansion, improved energy infrastructure and employment opportunities.
More significantly, another report circulated on October 28 states that no mineral resource or mineral reserve estimate has yet been established for Minta Est.
This distinction is critically important.
Lion Rock Minerals has indeed reported encouraging exploration results, including rare-earth-bearing monazite mineralization. Its September and October 2026 disclosures contain laboratory results and drilling intercepts indicating the presence of valuable minerals.
Therefore, it would be scientifically incorrect to claim that nothing has been discovered. But it would be equally premature to present those exploration results as proof of commercially viable mineral reserves or guaranteed national economic benefits.
A mineral discovery is not automatically a mine. Mineralization is not automatically an economically recoverable reserve. And the presence of valuable minerals beneath Cameroonian soil does not automatically guarantee prosperity for Cameroonian citizens.
Mr. Minister, with the greatest respect, this is precisely where your announcement requires further clarification.
Are we celebrating confirmed mineralization, a formally established mineral resource, proven economically recoverable reserves, or an investment project whose commercial viability remains under investigation?
These are four different stages of mineral development, with very different economic implications.
As a mining professional and natural resources advocate, I believe Cameroonians deserve a precise explanation of the stage the Minta project has reached.
The public must not be left to confuse geological potential with established national wealth.
TEN QUESTIONS THE MINISTER MUST ANSWER
1. WHAT EXACTLY HAS BEEN DISCOVERED?
Which minerals have been identified at Minta? What are their verified grades, quantities and geological characteristics? What independent laboratory and technical reports support the announcement?
2. HAS A MINERAL RESOURCE OR RESERVE BEEN ESTABLISHED?
Has the project produced a mineral resource estimate or an economically recoverable reserve under internationally recognized reporting standards such as JORC? If not, when are these assessments expected?
3. WHO OWNS THE MINERAL RIGHTS?
Which companies hold the exploration permits? Who are their ultimate beneficial owners? What are the ownership structures of Lion Rock Minerals and its local subsidiaries, and what interests does Tronox hold in the project?
4. WHAT AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN SIGNED?
Have any mining conventions, investment agreements, joint ventures, offtake agreements or development commitments been concluded? What are their material terms, and which documents can be publicly disclosed?
5. WHAT EXACTLY WILL CAMEROON EARN?
What are the proposed royalties, taxes, dividends, State equity participation and other fiscal benefits? Are there any projected revenues supported by an economic study?
6. HOW WILL THE PEOPLE OF MINTA BENEFIT?
What concrete and enforceable commitments exist regarding local employment, compensation, community development, schools, healthcare, roads and other infrastructure?
7. WILL THE MINERALS BE PROCESSED IN CAMEROON?
Will Cameroon export raw minerals, or will the project include domestic processing, value addition, technology transfer and industrial development?
8. WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS EXIST?
What environmental and social assessments have been conducted? What protections will apply to agricultural land, water resources, forests and surrounding communities? Have affected residents been meaningfully consulted?
9. WHAT IS THE PROJECT'S ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE?
When will exploration be completed? When are resource estimates, feasibility studies, financing decisions, mining permits and potential production expected? Which milestones are confirmed and which remain aspirational?
10. WHO WILL ENSURE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY?
Will the government publish the relevant geological reports, permit information, beneficial ownership disclosures, mining agreements and fiscal arrangements, subject to legitimate legal confidentiality protections? What independent oversight will ensure that promised benefits actually reach Cameroonians?
MR. MINISTER, LET US CELEBRATE FACTS, NOT JUST EXPECTATIONS
My purpose is not to diminish the importance of the Minta project or discourage foreign investment.
On the contrary, I welcome serious investment in Cameroon's mining sector, particularly when it brings technical expertise, responsible financing, local employment and opportunities for industrial transformation.
But transparency must begin at exploration, not after minerals have been extracted and exported.
The government should clearly explain what has been scientifically established, what remains under investigation, what agreements have been concluded and what measurable benefits the nation can reasonably expect.
I therefore respectfully call upon the Minister to publish a comprehensive technical and public-interest briefing within 30 days, addressing these ten questions.
The people of Cameroon are not merely spectators in the development of their country's natural resources. They are the ultimate beneficiaries for whose welfare those resources must be managed.
A COUNTRY DOES NOT BECOME RICH SIMPLY BECAUSE MINERALS ARE DISCOVERED BENEATH ITS SOIL. IT BECOMES PROSPEROUS WHEN THOSE RESOURCES ARE RESPONSIBLY DEVELOPED AND THEIR BENEFITS REACH ITS PEOPLE.
Let Minta become an example of transparency, accountability, responsible investment and genuine national development.
— Dr. David Makongo
Natural Resources Advocate | Mining Expert
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