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Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine

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Industrial site
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Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)

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The Nkamouna cobalt-nickel mine near Lomié in eastern Cameroon is considered one of the world's most significant untapped deposits of these critical raw materials. Developed by Geovic Mining Corp., the project covers an area rich in cobalt, nickel, and manganese, bound within a lateritic crust above ultramafic rocks. The planned industrial development promises a significant boost to Cameroon's export revenues and the creation of numerous jobs in an economically underdeveloped region. As cobalt is a key component for modern battery technologies and electric vehicles, the mine holds high global strategic relevance. However, the project faces challenges regarding financing and necessary infrastructure, such as developing transport routes to the port of Kribi. Environmental sustainability is monitored closely, as the area borders the significant Dja Faunal Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Situated in the Lomié region, this major industrial project represents a globally significant, yet largely undeveloped, laterite deposit aimed at the extraction of valuable cobalt, nickel, and manganese resources.
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Visiting
As it involves remote industrial operations within forested terrain, the concession area is not open to general tourism, and access is strictly controlled and reserved for authorized mining and technical personnel.
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Where to view it
Due to the dense canopy of the surrounding equatorial forest and the lack of elevated public vantage points, obtaining a clear view of the actual mining footprint from nearby civilian roads is usually quite difficult.
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Local products
Visitors exploring the towns on the periphery of the mining district will predominantly encounter local agricultural staples, bushmeat from the surrounding forests, and basic trade goods rather than industrial outputs.
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Active season
The timeline of actual intensive extraction fluctuates based on corporate development phases, but for travelers venturing near the region, the dry seasons from December to March offer the most passable road conditions.
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Nearby
While the mine itself is restricted, traversing this part of eastern Cameroon is often combined with visits to the Dja Faunal Reserve, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and primary rainforest ecosystem.

Geography

Coordinates
3.25000, 13.88330

Facts

  • The mine contains estimated reserves of 59.8 million tonnes of ore.
  • The cobalt grade in the Nkamouna ore averages approximately 0.25%.
  • The project area encompasses a total of seven distinct deposits.
  • Geovic Mining Corp. has held the mining license since the year 2003.
  • The mine is expected to produce 6,000 tonnes of cobalt annually.
  • The distance to the deep-water port of Kribi is over 600 kilometers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Dja RainforestDja Rainforest78 km · SExplore →
Dja RiverDja River102 km · SExplore →
Kadey HillsKadey Hills106 km · NEExplore →
Abong-MbangAbong-Mbang111 km · SEExplore →
Mbalam Iron Ore ProjectMbalam Iron Ore Project124 km · NWExplore →
SouankéSouanké129 km · WExplore →
YokadoumaYokadouma133 km · NExplore →
BatouriBatouri141 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is mined at Nkamouna?
The project aims at the extraction of cobalt, nickel, and manganese.
Is the mine already in full operation?
The project has been in the development phase for a long time with fluctuating activities.
Where exactly is the mine located?
In the East region of Cameroon, near the town of Lomié.
Are you allowed to enter the site?
No, it is private industrial property and closed to unauthorized persons.
Why is this mine important?
Because of the global demand for cobalt for batteries in electric mobility.
Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine: where is it located?
Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine is located in Cameroon.
Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Nkamouna cobalt-nickel mine near Lomié in eastern Cameroon is considered one of the world's most significant untapped deposits of these critical raw materials.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Bertoua — Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)
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Batouri — Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)
Batouri
Batouri is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.
Garoua-Boulaï — Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)
Garoua-Boulaï
Garoua-Boulaï is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.
Yokadouma — Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)
Yokadouma
Yokadouma is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.
Abong-Mbang — Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)
Abong-Mbang
Abong-Mbang is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.
Bélabo — Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)
Bélabo
Bélabo is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

History & landmarks

Lobéké National Park — Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)
Lobéké National Park
Lobéké National Park is located in the Congo Basin in southeastern Cameroon.

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Bertoua Agricultural Center — Nkamouna Cobalt-Nickel Mine (Cameroon)
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The Sangha area in the southeast is a low forested basin with broad river corridors.
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