Australian bauxite miner Canyon Resources has scheduled the commissioning of a surface miner at its Minim Martap project in Cameroon for February 2026, marking a significant step towards initiating mining operations.
Moreover, enhancements to the haul road linking the Danielle plateau to the inland rail facility are proceeding as planned, with ore transportation expected to begin in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.
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Situated in Cameroon’s Adamawa Region, Minim Martap is considered one of the world’s richest bauxite deposits, containing an ore reserve of 144 million tonnes (mt) with 51.2% aluminium oxide and 1.7% silicon dioxide.
The project is strategically located near a major rail line that links to the Atlantic port of Douala.
Chinese locomotive manufacturer, CRRC Ziyang (CRRC) has informed Canyon of delayed locomotive deliveries due to extended lead times and downtime during the Chinese New Year.
Consequently, two locomotives are anticipated at Douala port by late Q2 2026, with subsequent units expected in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026.
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By GlobalDataDespite these delays, CRRC is implementing strategies to mitigate further impacts.
Dredging operations for access at Douala port are set to commence at the end of the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, as final tender evaluations are underway.
In addition, the evaluation of transhipping tenders continues, with contractor selection slated for completion in Q1 2026.
Adjustments in logistics have delayed the maiden bauxite trial shipment to Q3 2026, with full-scale operations launching in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026, following confirmation from CRRC.
Negotiations with Camrail to increase Canyon’s stake from 9% to approximately 35% are advancing, with an expected conclusion in Q1 2026.
This investment aims to enhance logistics from mine to port, reducing associated risks.
Concurrently, a feasibility study for an alumina refinery is on track for completion by Q3 2026, leveraging Cameroon’s low-silica, high-grade bauxite resources.
Canyon CEO Peter Secker said: “Whilst minor delays to the locomotive delivery schedule have slightly impacted the Project timetable, the Minim Martap project is maintaining its fast-track strategy to be in production and making the initial trial bauxite shipment by Q3 2026.
“Our first major milestone of commencing mining operations in Q1, 2026, the build-up of the operations team in Cameroon and haulage of ore to the IRF remain the focus of the Project team over the next three months.”
In February 2025, Canyon Resources obtained approval from the Government of Cameroon for the location of its inland rail facility, advancing the Minim Martap Bauxite Project towards production.
