Canyon Resources enters early-stage mining operations at Minim Martap Project in Cameroon

Canyon Resources, an Australian bauxite developer, moves from planning to early-stage mining operations at its Minim Martap Project, one of the world’s richest known bauxite deposits, in Cameroon. As per the report, Canyon has scheduled the commissioning of a surface miner at the project in February 2026.

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In addition, the bauxite developer is advancing the upgradation to the haul road connecting the Danielle plateau to the inland rail facility (IRF), enabling ore haulage to commence in Q2 2026.

Port readiness is also progressing. Dredging at Douala port is scheduled to begin at the end of Q1 2026, while evaluations for transhipping contractors are ongoing, with selection targeted within the same quarter. These adjustments have shifted the maiden bauxite trial shipment to Q3 2026, with full-scale commercial operations planned for Q4 2026.

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Canyon is also strengthening its logistics control, with negotiations underway to lift its stake in Camrail from 9 per cent to around 35 per cent, expected to conclude in Q1 2026. This move highlights efforts to reduce logistics risk and improve supply chain certainty. Parallel to mining plans, a feasibility study for an alumina refinery, leveraging Cameroon’s premium bauxite, is due by Q3 2026, highlighting longer-term value addition.

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.” 

He also added, “Our first major milestone of commencing mining operations in Q1, 2026… remains the focus of the Project team over the next three months.”

However, some logistical headwinds have emerged. Chinese locomotive supplier CRRC Ziyang (CRRC) has notified Canyon of delivery delays due to extended lead times and downtime during the Chinese New Year. As a result, two locomotives are now expected to arrive at Douala by late Q2 2026, with additional units following in Q3 2026. Despite this, CRRC has confirmed mitigation measures to prevent further slippage.

Minim Martap bauxite project stands out for its scale and quality, hosting 144 million tonnes of bauxite reserves grading 51.2 per cent aluminium oxide and just 1.7 per cent silicon dioxide. Such low-silica, high-grade ore is increasingly sought after by refiners, particularly as producers aim to reduce processing costs and emissions. Strategically, the project benefits from proximity to a major rail corridor linking directly to the Atlantic port of Douala, strengthening its export potential.

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