New phase unlocked: Cameroon’s Minim Martap bauxite project is set to get its first locomotives from China

In Cameroon, the Minim Martap bauxite project advanced into the next step as the first locomotives for the mine’s future rail operations are set to arrive in the country. CRRC Corporation, a Chinese manufacturer, has crafted seven locomotives and is currently on its way to the port of Douala for Camalco. This is the Cameroonian subsidiary of the mining company Canyon Resources in Australia, working on the bauxite deposit in the Adamaoua region.

The arrival of the shipment was announced by Cosco Shipping, a logistics company, which has recently loaded 12 locomotives bound for Africa. The delivery of these seven locomotives is scheduled for Cameroon to boost the rail system, aiding in transporting the ore from the future mine.

Also read: Minim Martap bauxite project moves forward with rail upgrades and port preparations

The delivery marks the larger part of the Camalco and CRRC Corporation agreement, which includes 22 diesel locomotives in total. Looking into the rail infrastructure for this project is vital for upholding an effective export strategy. This is more so because Minim Martap is aiming for an annual target of 10 million tonnes of bauxite.

Within a project's largest operational and financial components, maintaining a secure transport system is crucial. Owing to this, a total CFA176.8 billion (USD 303 million) investment has been secured by Camalco and the rail operator Camrail out of the CFA252.6 billion (USD 433 million) budgeted for the rail equipment purchases. This shows that a greater logistics investment portion has been committed even before exports have officially started.

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Apart from the locomotives, the project's other transport plan includes an initial order of 560 open freight wagons, which will be provided by Texmaco Rail & Engineering, an Indian manufacturer.

In this agreement, inclusion of 1,040 added wagons for the next five years has also been included. This indicates that the developers of the project are looking and preparing for large-scale operations.

Also read: Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) eyes doubling Kodingamali Bauxite Mine capacity to 6 MTPA

Not only this, but the project also goes beyond the rolling stock purchases. Given this, Canyon Resources will be required to finance the connection of the mine to Cameroon’s national rail network and undertake rehabilitation work on several sections of the existing railway line to ensure efficient ore transportation to the port of Douala.

The arrival of the first locomotives marks the project's major milestone in shifting from financing and contract announcements to the operational logistics phase ahead.

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