1. Initial Contact: Scammers may contact you via email, phone, or social media, claiming to represent a legitimate company or government entity in the CEMAC region. They might offer lucrative deals on gold, precious metals, or other commodities.
2. Permit Requirement: Once you express interest, they inform you that a CEMAC Buyers Permit is required to proceed with the transaction. They may even provide fake documents or links to websites that appear legitimate.
3. Payment Request: The scammers will ask for payment to obtain the permit, often requesting wire transfers or other non-traceable methods. Once the payment is made, the scammers disappear, leaving you with nothing but lost funds.

• Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially if they promise high returns with minimal risk. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, urging you to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal. Legitimate transactions rarely require immediate decisions.
• Unverified Contacts: Verify the legitimacy of the person or company contacting you. Scammers may use fake websites, email addresses, or phone numbers that closely resemble those of real organizations.

• Protect Yourself

1. Do Your Research: Before engaging in any transaction, thoroughly research the company or individual. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any red flags that might indicate a scam.
2. Verify Permits: Contact the appropriate government or regulatory bodies to verify the existence and requirement of any permits or licenses.
3. Consult Experts: If you're unsure about a transaction, seek advice from trusted sources or industry experts. At BonasGold.net, we're here to guide you and help you navigate any concerns.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you've encountered a scam or believe you're being targeted, report it to your local authorities and relevant consumer protection agencies.

• Economic Contribution: ASGM contributes significantly to the local economy, providing employment and income for many families. However, the sector's informal nature means that much of the gold produced does not pass through official channels, leading to a loss of potential revenue for the government.
• Environmental Impact: The use of mercury and other harmful chemicals in ASGM poses a significant threat to the environment. Deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution are common issues in gold mining areas, affecting both local communities and biodiversity.

• Investment Opportunities: The industrial gold mining sector offers significant investment opportunities. The government has been keen to attract foreign investment, offering incentives such as tax exemptions and reduced tariffs on mining equipment. This has led to the entry of multinational companies, bringing with them expertise and capital.
• Regulatory Framework: The Cameroonian government has put in place a regulatory framework to govern the mining sector. The 2016 Mining Code outlines the rights and obligations of mining companies, environmental protection measures, and revenue-sharing mechanisms. However, challenges remain in enforcing these regulations, particularly in the artisanal sector.

• Illegal Mining: Illegal mining activities are widespread, particularly in the eastern region. These activities not only lead to the loss of government revenue but also contribute to environmental degradation and social conflicts.
• Infrastructural Deficits: The lack of adequate infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, hampers the development of the mining sector. Remote mining areas are often difficult to access, making it challenging for companies to transport equipment and products.
• Community Relations: Tensions between mining companies and local communities are not uncommon. Issues such as land rights, environmental degradation, and inadequate compensation often lead to conflicts. Ensuring that communities benefit from mining activities is crucial for the sector's long-term sustainability.

• Sustainable Practices: Encouraging the adoption of sustainable mining practices is essential. This includes minimizing environmental impacts, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and promoting the rehabilitation of mined areas.
• Formalization of ASGM: Bringing the artisanal mining sector into the formal economy is crucial. This can be achieved through the provision of training, access to financing, and support for the formation of cooperatives.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing the capacity of local communities and government agencies to manage the sector effectively is vital. This includes improving regulatory enforcement, providing education on environmental protection, and ensuring that mining benefits are shared equitably.

• Economic Contribution: ASGM plays a significant role in the local economy, but the informal nature of the sector means that much of the gold extracted does not pass through official channels. Supervision helps to channel this gold into the formal economy, increasing government revenue and ensuring that miners receive fair compensation.
• Environmental and Health Supervision: Unregulated ASGM activities often involve the use of harmful chemicals, such as mercury, leading to environmental degradation and health risks. Under supervision, the government enforces regulations to mitigate these risks, promoting safer mining practices and protecting local ecosystems.

• Regulatory Framework: The Cameroonian government has established a robust regulatory framework, including the 2016 Mining Code, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of mining companies. This framework also includes strict environmental protection measures and revenue-sharing mechanisms, ensuring that mining benefits are distributed equitably.
• Supervised Investment Opportunities: The government's supervision has created a favorable investment climate, with incentives such as tax exemptions and reduced tariffs for mining equipment. This attracts multinational companies, which bring expertise and capital, while adhering to the country's regulations.

• Combating Illegal Mining: Illegal mining remains a significant issue, particularly in remote areas. Government supervision is essential in combating these activities, which not only undermine legal operations but also lead to environmental degradation and social conflicts.
• Infrastructure Development: The lack of infrastructure in mining regions poses a challenge to both artisanal and industrial mining. Supervision ensures that mining companies contribute to infrastructure development, improving access to remote areas and supporting local communities.
• Community Relations and Supervision: Ensuring positive relations between mining companies and local communities is crucial. Government supervision plays a role in mediating disputes over land rights, environmental concerns, and compensation, promoting harmony and sustainability.

• Sustainable Practices: The government is committed to promoting sustainable mining practices, including reducing environmental impacts and encouraging the rehabilitation of mined areas. Supervision ensures that companies adhere to these standards.
• Formalizing ASGM: The formalization of the ASGM sector is a priority under government supervision. This includes providing training, access to finance, and support for the formation of cooperatives, helping to integrate artisanal miners into the formal economy.
• Capacity Building and Supervision: Enhancing the capacity of local communities and government agencies to manage the sector effectively is vital. Supervision ensures that regulations are enforced, environmental protections are upheld, and that the benefits of mining are shared equitably.

• Regions with Gold Deposits:
• Eastern Region: Batouri, Betare-Oya, Kette.
• Northern Region: Further exploration needed.
• Geological Features:
• Diverse geology with significant gold deposits.
• Predominantly alluvial and hard rock gold mining.

• Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM):
• Involves local communities using basic tools and techniques.
• Characterized by informal operations, often lacking regulation.
• Significant in providing livelihoods but associated with challenges like environmental degradation and health risks.
• Industrial Gold Mining:
• Involves large-scale operations by multinational companies.
• Utilizes advanced technology and equipment.
• Subject to stricter regulations and government supervision.

• Mining Code of 2016:
• Outlines the rights and responsibilities of mining companies.
• Includes provisions for environmental protection, revenue sharing, and community benefits.
• Licensing and Permits:
• Exploration and mining licenses are issued by the government.
• Supervision ensures that companies comply with the legal requirements.
• Environmental Regulations:
• Strict rules on the use of chemicals (e.g., mercury).
• Mandates environmental impact assessments (EIAs) before project approval.
• Regular monitoring and supervision to ensure compliance.

• Role of Government Agencies:
• Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development oversees mining activities.
• Regular inspections to ensure adherence to regulations.
• Monitoring of environmental impacts and remediation efforts.
• Community Engagement and Relations:
• Supervision includes mediating disputes between mining companies and local communities.
• Ensures that local communities benefit from mining activities (e.g., through employment, infrastructure development).

• Revenue Generation:
• Gold mining contributes significantly to national revenue through taxes, royalties, and export earnings.
• Formalization of ASGM could increase government revenue.
• Employment:
• Provides direct and indirect employment to thousands of people.
• Both artisanal and industrial mining sectors play a role in job creation.
• Local Economy:
• Mining activities stimulate local economies, particularly in remote areas.
• Challenges include ensuring that economic benefits are equitably distributed.

• Illegal Mining:
• Widespread illegal mining activities, particularly in remote areas.
• Leads to loss of revenue, environmental degradation, and social conflicts.
• Government efforts to combat illegal mining through increased supervision and enforcement.
• Environmental and Health Risks:
• Environmental degradation due to unregulated ASGM.
• Health risks from exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Supervision focuses on promoting safer mining practices and environmental conservation.
• Infrastructure Deficits:
• Poor infrastructure in mining regions hinders the development of the sector.
• Supervision ensures that mining companies contribute to infrastructure development.
• Community Relations:
• Conflicts between mining companies and local communities over land rights and environmental concerns.
• Government supervision plays a role in resolving these conflicts and ensuring fair compensation.

• Sustainable Mining Practices:
• Government encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.
• Supervision ensures that companies adhere to sustainability standards.
• Formalization of ASGM:
• Efforts to bring the artisanal mining sector into the formal economy.
• Includes providing training, financial support, and forming cooperatives.
• Capacity Building:
• Enhancing the capacity of local communities and government agencies to manage the mining sector effectively.
• Ongoing training and support for regulatory enforcement and environmental protection.

• Balancing Opportunities and Challenges:
• Gold mining in Cameroon offers significant economic opportunities but also poses challenges that require careful management.
• Government supervision is crucial in ensuring that the sector develops sustainably and that the benefits are shared equitably.
• Future Outlook:
• Continued government supervision and regulation will be key to unlocking the full potential of the gold mining sector in Cameroon.
• Emphasis on sustainability, formalization, and community engagement will ensure that gold mining contributes to the country's long-term development.

• Objective: Identify potential gold-bearing areas through geological surveys and mapping.
• Procedure:
• Conduct preliminary geological studies using satellite imagery, topographic maps, and existing geological data.
• Perform field investigations to collect rock and soil samples.
• Analyze samples in a laboratory to determine gold content.

• Objective: Obtain legal permission to conduct exploration activities.
• Procedure:
• Submit an application to the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development.
• Include detailed geological reports, maps, and an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
• Pay the required fees as stipulated by the Mining Code.
• Await approval and issuance of the exploration license.

• Objective: Confirm the presence of economically viable gold deposits.
• Procedure:
• Conduct detailed exploration activities, including drilling, trenching, and bulk sampling.
• Develop a resource estimate based on the collected data.
• Update the EIA as necessary to reflect the impact of exploration activities.

• Objective: Assess the technical and economic viability of mining the deposit.
• Procedure:
• Conduct a feasibility study covering aspects such as mining methods, processing technology, infrastructure requirements, and economic analysis.
• Submit the feasibility study to the government for review and approval.

• Objective: Secure the right to mine the identified gold deposit.
• Procedure:
• Submit a mining license application to the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development.
• Include the feasibility study, updated EIA, and a mine plan outlining the proposed mining operations.
• Pay the applicable fees and provide proof of financial capability to develop the mine.
• Obtain approval and receive the mining license.

• Objective: Minimize environmental and social impacts during mining operations.
• Procedure:
• Develop an ESMP based on the findings of the EIA.
• Include measures for waste management, water and air quality control, land rehabilitation, and community engagement.
• Submit the ESMP to the relevant authorities for approval.
• Implement the ESMP and conduct regular monitoring to ensure compliance.

• Objective: Establish the necessary infrastructure for mining operations.
• Procedure:
• Develop access roads, power supply, water supply, and other essential infrastructure.
• Construct the mine site, including facilities for processing, storage, and worker accommodation.
• Ensure that all construction activities comply with environmental regulations and the ESMP.

• Objective: Extract and process gold ore.
• Procedure:
• Begin mining operations using the methods outlined in the mine plan.
• Extract ore and transport it to the processing plant.
• Process the ore to extract gold using appropriate technologies (e.g., gravity separation, cyanidation).
• Conduct regular environmental monitoring as per the ESMP.

• Objective: Ensure ongoing compliance with regulations and transparency in operations.
• Procedure:
• Submit regular reports to the Ministry of Mines on production levels, environmental performance, and community engagement.
• Pay royalties, taxes, and other applicable fees as required by the Mining Code.
• Participate in government inspections and audits to ensure compliance with mining regulations and environmental standards.

• Objective: Maintain positive relations with local communities and contribute to their development.
• Procedure:
• Engage with local communities through regular meetings, consultations, and communication.
• Implement CSR initiatives, such as building schools, healthcare facilities, and providing clean water.
• Address any grievances or concerns raised by the community promptly and effectively.

• Objective: Ensure that the mine site is safely closed and rehabilitated after mining operations cease.
• Procedure:
• Develop a mine closure plan as part of the ESMP, detailing the steps for site rehabilitation.
• Include provisions for the removal of equipment, sealing of mine shafts, and restoration of the natural landscape.
• Submit the closure plan to the government for approval.

• Objective: Restore the mine site to a condition that is safe and suitable for future use.
• Procedure:
• Implement the mine closure plan, including land reclamation, reforestation, and water quality management.
• Monitor the site post-closure to ensure that rehabilitation measures are effective.
• Report the results of post-closure monitoring to the relevant authorities.

• Objective: Obtain certification that the mine has been closed in accordance with regulations.
• Procedure:
• Submit a final report to the Ministry of Mines detailing the closure and rehabilitation activities.
• Participate in a final inspection by government officials to verify compliance.
• Obtain a certificate of mine closure, releasing the company from further obligations related to the site.

• Regions of Operation:
• Eastern Region: Areas like Batouri and Betare-Oya are central to Bonas Gold's operations.
• Northern Region: Exploration activities are ongoing to identify potential gold deposits.
• Mining Techniques:
• Bonas Gold employs a mix of traditional artisanal methods and more modern industrial techniques.
• The company uses gravity separation and other environmentally friendly methods to minimize the impact on local ecosystems.
• Processing Facilities:
• The company has invested in processing plants that allow for efficient extraction and purification of gold.
• These facilities are designed to reduce waste and manage tailings responsibly, adhering to environmental regulations.

• Licensing:
• Bonas Gold operates under the licenses issued by the Cameroonian government, which allow it to explore and mine gold in designated areas.
• The company ensures compliance with the Mining Code of 2016 and other relevant regulations.
• Environmental and Social Responsibility:
• Bonas Gold is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. The company follows strict guidelines for waste management, water usage, and land rehabilitation.
• Community engagement is a priority, with Bonas Gold working closely with local communities to ensure that they benefit from mining activities through employment, infrastructure development, and social programs.
• Government Supervision:
• The company's operations are regularly monitored by the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development to ensure compliance with all legal and environmental standards.
• Bonas Gold submits regular reports on its operations, environmental impact, and community relations as part of its compliance obligations.

• Challenges:
• Environmental Concerns: Like many mining companies, Bonas Gold faces challenges related to environmental management, particularly in minimizing the impact of its operations on local ecosystems.
• Community Relations: Ensuring that local communities are adequately compensated and that their concerns are addressed is an ongoing challenge.
• Infrastructure: Operating in remote areas with limited infrastructure can hinder the efficient transport of materials and access to markets.
• Opportunities:
• Expansion of Operations: With ongoing exploration activities, Bonas Gold has the potential to expand its operations to new regions within Cameroon.
• Sustainable Practices: The company is exploring new technologies and methods to further reduce its environmental impact and enhance the sustainability of its operations.
• Community Development: By investing in local communities, Bonas Gold can build stronger relationships and ensure long-term support for its operations.

CEMAC PERMITS

How to Order Gold from Cameroon

Gold Dealers Licence

Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

Avoid Cemac Permit Fraud

How to Apply for Cemac Permit Authorization Buyer?s Gold License

Cemac Buyers Permit License

How to get a gold buying permit in Cameroon

How to Order Gold from Cameroon