Lukong Pius Nyuylime
25 June 2009
Results of feasibility studies highly expected from the joint Cameroon-Korea company, C & K Mining Inc. to hasten the exploitation process.
The figure is impressive and the advancement on the exploitation process satisfactory. The Cameroon and Korea Mining Corporation, (C&K Mining Inc.) that obtained research permit on the Mobilong Diamond deposit located south east of Yokadouma, Boumba and Ngoko Division in the East Region, announced last year, it has found probable diamond deposits of 736 million carat (1 metric carat equals 200 milligrams). This amount could represent five times the world annual consumption. The situation however, hasn't changed much. What is important is that it makes good discovery for the country even though experts in the sector say the research was based on existing information.
"What has been announced is probable reserve. We are waiting for proven reserve", Oscar Matip, Director of Mines and Geology at the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Technological Development told CT yesterday, stating inter alia that the results of feasibility studies may not differ very much from announced figure. From every indication, the C&K Mining is expected to submit the results not later than the end of the year. It is after then that the State, represented by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Technological Development, would kick-start discussion on its exploitation. "A committee will be created to evaluate the results of the feasibility studies, real exploitation could begin not less than a year from now", Matip said.
Veritable Break through
Diamond, is an extremely hard, highly refractive crystalline form of carbon that is usually colourless and is used as a gemstone and in abrasives, cutting tools, and other applications.
The quantity discovered at Mobilong is a veritable break through for the economy. When exploitation goes operational, about one million carats could be extracted annually, at least for the beginning. Rough projections indicate that the project could provide over 3,000 direct jobs. The peculiarity with the Mobilong deposit, according to the Director of Mines and Geology is that it contains both jewel diamond with very high market value and industrial diamond.
Like any other mining project, the Mobilong Diamond exploitation project will boost socio-economic activities in the area. Roads will be constructed to enable the transportation of equipment, social structures put up, health centres, water points and schools, as compensation for the population. Displaced populations will equally be paid off.
Government’s determination to valorise the country’s natural resources became evident last May 27 and 28, with the organisation of the first ever Mining Forum. The forum enabled government to formulate its mining vision after drawing experience from countries with established mining traditions. According to the Minister of Industries, Mines and Technological Development, only 40 percent of the country’s mining potentials have been explored and this has given interesting results. Minerals represent only 0.13 per cent of Cameroon’s Gross National Product.
The Mobilong diamond is certainly not the only diamond deposit Cameroon possesses. “We have other indices”, Matip said without giving details.
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I don't know how the Koreans are doing withe Cameroonains who are looking for jobs in the mining sector? They should make the recruitment open to all Cameroonains interested in mining and not to a few individuals who are connected with the Government in place. I am a cameroonain with an HND in mechanical engineering and i will like to go into this sector.