Sonamines CEO Highlights Challenges in Cameroon's Gold Mining Sector Amid Environmental Concerns
Serge Hervé Boyogueno, CEO of the National Mining Company (Sonamines) in Cameroon, has provided a detailed analysis of the current state of artisanal and semi-mechanized gold mining in the country. During an inspection mission in the Adamaoua and East regions, Boyogueno noted significant issues such as unmet production thresholds, insolvency among operators, and environmental damage. The Garga Mining site, for instance, failed to meet the minimum production threshold set by the government, producing only 608 grams of gold in May 2026, far below the required 5 kilograms. This shortfall has resulted in a debt to the state, which Sonamines plans to collect. Additionally, Boyogueno emphasized the lack of environmental compliance among mining companies, with none presenting necessary environmental management plans or impact studies. Sonamines is working on rehabilitation projects with organizations like Moonlight Mining Restoration and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization to address these environmen... 
