In November 2017, the press was speculating on a possible interruption of the small-scale mining permits. This, in view of the various violations observed recently, particularly in the eastern region.

Finally, on December 7, 2017, Ernest Gwaboubou, the ministry of mines has officially signed "a decision to temporarily stop the issuance of individual cards and artisanal mining permits".

The minister explained that this suspension is because many miners do not comply with the applicable regulations. Indeed, according to Cameroon’s mining code, the operators must restore the mines after operations but very often this is not done.

“Any individual card or artisanal mining permit delivered before this decision comes into effect is valid till its expiry”, the official however explained.

SA