Cameroon Uncovers Over 200 Illegal Gold Mines in Major Crackdown on Foreign Operators

Cameroon has uncovered more than 200 illegal artisanal gold mining companies, the majority of them foreign-owned, in a sweeping government crackdown targeting illegal mining activities across the country’s eastern regions.

The country’s Ministry of Mines announced the discovery following an investigation into Cameroon’s gold sector, launched after authorities identified major discrepancies between the nation’s official gold export figures and significantly larger import records reported by foreign countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates.

According to the ministry, the illegal operators were mainly found in the East and Adamawa regions, areas known for intense artisanal and semi-mechanised gold mining activities. Officials said more than 95 percent of the identified companies are foreign-owned, with many reportedly linked to Chinese nationals.

Authorities have ordered all companies operating without proper licenses to immediately halt activities. The government also warned that illegal mining sites and processing facilities could face demolition if operators fail to comply with regulations.

The investigation has highlighted the scale of unregulated gold mining in Cameroon. Official records show the country declared gold production of just 953 kilograms in 2023, with only 22.3 kilograms officially exported. However, importing countries reported receiving more than 15 tonnes of gold from Cameroon during the same period, a gap experts say strongly suggests widespread smuggling and informal trade networks.

Researchers and anti-corruption analysts say illegal mining has expanded rapidly in recent years as global gold prices continue to rise. Weak oversight, corruption, and the influence of powerful business and political networks have reportedly made enforcement difficult despite the introduction of a new mining code in 2023 aimed at tightening regulations in the sector.

Environmental and civil society groups have long warned about the impact of illegal gold mining on local communities. Unregulated mining operations are often associated with deforestation, water pollution, dangerous working conditions, and the loss of government revenue through undeclared exports.

The crackdown in Cameroon reflects a wider trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly moving to assert greater control over natural resources and reduce foreign dominance in mining industries. Countries including Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Tanzania have also intensified efforts to tackle illegal mining, smuggling, and non-compliant foreign operators in recent years.

Cameroon’s government says the latest operation forms part of broader reforms designed to improve transparency, strengthen regulation, and protect the country’s economic interests in the mining sector. However, observers say sustained enforcement and stronger anti-corruption measures will be necessary if authorities hope to significantly reduce illegal gold trafficking and restore confidence in the industry.