Cameroon's Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development has initiated a comprehensive audit of the country's gold mining sector. Announced in early 2026, the audit aims to map all actors, from artisanal miners to semi-mechanized operations, and assess gold production and commercialization channels.
The primary goal is to formalize the sector and curb the significant illicit trade of gold, which is estimated to see a large portion of production smuggled out of the country. By bringing activities into the legal framework, the government seeks to increase tax revenues and ensure greater economic benefits for the state.
The audit is part of a broader government strategy to better regulate the mining sector. Officials have stated that following the audit's findings, new regulations and support mechanisms for artisanal miners will be developed to encourage legal trade and improve working conditions.
This move follows international pressure and domestic concerns over lost revenue. The success of the audit will depend on its implementation and the subsequent enforcement of regulations in often remote mining areas.
