Following four years of research in Cameroon on the Akonolinga rutile block, Eramet decided in October 2023 not to pursue the project. Feasibility studies revealed that the economic rationales were not met to support a responsible and profitable industrial project.
Preserving ecosystems and the local population
The sheer size of the deposit, the low rutile content and the shallow depth over which it can be mined would require very high levels of investment, compounded by the cost of managing water and ultrafine particles that could have an impact on the environment. Exploitation of the deposit would create too high a risk for ecosystems and the living environment of local populations, making it impossible for the Group to implement a responsible industrial project.
Eramet accompanies the closure of its exploration activities at Akonolinga on a social and environmental level (rehabilitation of exploration sites) and returns all permits to the Cameroonian government, along with samples and all technical, environmental and societal knowledge acquired. Teams are demobilized as part of a gradual, negotiated social plan.
Social project
The Group is committed to leaving a positive local impact at Akonolinga, by funding a societal program to enhance a local development project, in line with its global commitments. Conducted in consultation with the project’s stakeholders on the basis of societal studies carried out in the main villages where the exploration campaigns took place, this project should be launched in the coming months in partnership with local players.
Launched in 2019 after the permits were obtained, the exploration phase was conducted responsibly by Eramet’s teams. From a societal standpoint, public consultations were organized to explain the project and hear the expectations of communities and authorities.
