Cameroon's Minim Martap bauxite project nears production as Canyon receives new rail fleet

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Canyon Resources has taken another step towards commercial production at its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon’s Adamawa region. It has received the new rail fleet to reinforce logistics of bauxite transportation from the mine to the Port of Douala.

Canyon confirmed that seven CRRC Ziyang locomotives arrived at the Port of Douala in June and have since been delivered to its Cameroonian subsidiary, Camalco Cameroon. Commissioning, operational testing and driver training are now underway before the first rail movements begin during the third quarter (Q3) of 2026.

The first 60 wagons have already departed the manufacturing facility, scheduled to reach Cameroon by mid-August, while another 100 wagons are scheduled for delivery later in Q3.

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Under the project's Stage 1 logistics plan, the rail fleet will comprise seven locomotives and 160 wagons, providing an estimated transport capacity of around 35,000 wet metric tonnes of bauxite per month between the Inland Rail Facility and Douala.

The latest delivery has arrived after Canyon's decision to increase its stake in Camrail, Cameroon’s national rail operator, from 9.1 per cent to 26.9 per cent. It is helping solidify the company’s role in managing bauxite transportation and backing the PQ2 rail infrastructure upgrade for the Minim Martap project.

Moving forward, Stage 2 targets rail network expansion through infrastructure upgrades and the addition of 15 more locomotives and 400 wagons.

Subject to securing an additional funding of USD 160 million, Stage 2 is expected to raise transport capacity to approximately 105,000 wet metric tonnes per month by early Q3 2027. Otherwise, monthly production would remain at around 35,000 wet metric tonnes.

Canyon currently expects the project's first bauxite shipment from the Port of Douala in Q4 2026.

The latest logistics milestone builds on Canyon's broader development schedule for the Minim Martap project, one of Africa's largest undeveloped bauxite deposits. Earlier this year, the company confirmed that construction of the inland rail facility, mine infrastructure and export logistics remained on track as it targets the commencement of bauxite exports.

Once operational, the project is expected to strengthen Cameroon's position in the global bauxite market by supplying high-grade ore to international alumina refiners while supporting the country's long-term mining and transport infrastructure development.

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