Asian investment at artisanal and small-scale mines in rural Cameroon

Abstract

A new model of small-scale mineral exploitation is being driven by Asian investors in East Cameroon and may be representative of trends elsewhere in Africa. The mines employ nationals of Asian countries and create small Asian communities in remote areas. There is evidence of widespread failure to comply with national mining regulations and few benefits are flowing either to the national government or to local communities. If existing government regulations were enforced, this form of mining could improve livelihoods and living conditions in remote areas. Without good governance it risks facilitating enclaves of uncontrolled resource exploitation.