Canyon Resources receives first locomotives, targets 35kt monthly bauxite transport for Minim Martap project

Stock image for referential purposes only

Canyon Resources has taken delivery of the first locomotives for its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon. The mine is being developed by its subsidiary, Camalco Cameroon, which expects an initial fleet of seven locomotives and 160 wagons to transport 35,000 tonnes of bauxite a month. The company is targeting its first shipment in Q4 2026. 

The initial rail fleet will comprise seven locomotives and 160 wagons, providing a transport capacity of 35,000 tonnes per month. The first 60 wagons are expected to arrive from China in mid-August, while the remaining 100 wagons are scheduled for delivery later this year.

Commenting on the development, Canyon Resources Managing Director Peter Secker said, “We are pleased to be making continual and rapid progress at Minim Martap as we work toward commencement of mining and our first shipment target of Q4 2026.” 

The company also outlined plans for a second phase of the project, subject to securing an additional USD 160 million in funding. The expansion would include upgrades to the rail infrastructure and the addition of 15 more locomotives and 400 wagons, increasing transport capacity to around 105,000 tonnes per month from the third quarter of 2027.

Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report “A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations”

In May, Canyon Resources announced that Camalco Cameroon had increased its stake in rail operator Camrail from 9.1 per cent to 26.9 per cent through a payment of CFA Fr 9.852 billion (USD 17.2 million). The company said the increased shareholding would provide greater involvement in bauxite transportation and support the planned rail upgrades for the mine-to-port logistics network.

Camalco Cameroon also holds a 42.8 per cent stake in the operator of the Port of Douala.