Australian company Canyon Resources has mobilised a surface miner to its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon, with plans to initiate mining operations by the end of March.
The company is targeting first bauxite production early in the second quarter of 2026 (Q2 2026).
This development marks a significant step in the transition from project development to operational status.
Financial assessments reveal that Canyon's existing cash resources, complemented by undrawn funds from the AFG Bank Cameroon facility, are adequate to cover capital expenditure requirements up to the initial shipment phase, as mentioned in its definitive feasibility study dated 1 September 2025.
The company projects its first shipment of ore to occur in Q3 2026, without necessitating additional funding from Afriland or EEA.
Logistics preparations are progressing alongside mining operations.
Ongoing discussions with Chinese locomotive manufacturer CRRC Ziyang suggest that the first locomotives will likely reach the Port of Douala between mid and late Q2 2026.
This timing aligns with plans to begin ore transportation from the Inland Rail Facility to the port, facilitating shipments in Q3 2026.
Canyon is also negotiating with Camrail to potentially increase its equity stake beyond the current 9.1%.
A higher stake would allow more involvement in Camrail's PQ2 (second five-year plan) upgrade, mitigating risks associated with mine-to-port logistics.
Furthermore, Canyon is engaged in offtake discussions with several potential partners.
The company aims to finalise these agreements following initial bauxite shipments, which will confirm the high-grade quality of Minim Martap’s ore, characterised by around 51% alumina and 2% silica.
Canyon Resources CEO Peter Secker said: “The mobilisation of the surface miner represents an important step as Minim Martap moves rapidly towards production and with mining set to commence shortly and financing confirmed through to first shipment, the company remains on track to deliver its first bauxite shipment in Q3 2026.
“At the same time, we continue to advance logistics, offtake discussions and our downstream feasibility study to maximise the long-term value of this tier-one, globally significant, high-grade bauxite project.”
In February 2025, Canyon Resources obtained approval from the Government of Cameroon for the location of its inland rail facility, advancing the Minim Martap project towards production.
