Cameroon Locals Seek Justice amid Chinese Iron Mining Expansion

The Lobé-Kribi Iron Ore Project in Cameroon, led by Chinese company, Sinosteel Cam S.A., aims to extract 10 million tons of ore annually. While still under construction, the project, including extensive infrastructure developments, poses significant social and environmental risks. 

A report by NGO Youth for Promotion of Development (YPD) warns of threats to the health, livelihoods, and cultural heritage of local communities. Despite early-stage operations, concerns are rising over environmental degradation, transparency issues, and the project's considerable impact on the region.

The consultation mechanism with local communities, purportedly for transparency, was deeply flawed. Critical information was withheld, independent experts were excluded, and local concerns were ignored. Instead of genuine dialogue, it served as a facade to legitimize a pre-decided project, lacking sincerity and respect for affected communities, resulting in an opaque decision-making process that systematically ignored dissenting voices.

Locals have their voices, they say neither they were consulted nor they were able to say anything; and they do not consider this as development rather this is a theft in pure and simple words.

Community leaders opposing the project have faced threats. Neither Sinosteel nor Cameroon’s government has commented on consultation procedures or measures to mitigate environmental and health risks. 

YPD's study highlighted serious environmental risks, including potential contamination of the Lobé and Likodo rivers, and Manyange na Elombo Campo Marine Park. Early signs of water quality deterioration were observed even before mining operations began.

The project threatens tropical forests, wetlands, and endemic species in Campo Ma’an National Park and Manyangué na Elombo Campo Marine Park. A unique turtle species, found nowhere else in the world, is at risk. 

Increased deforestation and noise pollution have already led to habitat fragmentation and more interactions between wildlife (elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees) and humans, especially in agricultural areas near Campo Ma’an National Park. Major air pollutants include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, causing acid rain and harming ecosystems and health.

The social impact of the project is profound. The village of Lolabé faces displacement, and sacred sites in Ebodjé, Malaba, and Mbendji are at risk. Deforestation has already hurt local incomes by reducing non-timber products and displacing wildlife vital for hunting. 

The influx of migrant workers may lead to economic inequalities, demographic shifts, and rising social tensions. The project is exacerbating tensions between locals and elites. It appears that the Kribi’s elite are receiving the bulk of the project's advantages, while the surrounding communities are left to deal with the resulting environmental and social repercussions. Some believe that the project should be named Campo, given that the deposit is located here, and feel that the local communities should be the main beneficiaries.

Reactions vary: some demand the project's halt, while others seek compensation for social infrastructure gaps, like electricity, clean water, and healthcare. Some advocate for prioritizing local labour, provided the project respects their environment, rights, and needs. Skepticism remains due to past unfulfilled promises by Chinese companies in Cameroon.

Community members unanimously call for increased transparency and better dissemination of information regarding the project's developments, impacts, and planned mitigation measures. They seek clarity on the mining agreement's commitments, including the social development program and the environmental and social impact study. 

Locals, as primary stakeholders, emphasize their right to be consulted on decisions affecting their land and environment. The demand for independent monitoring to oversee the environmental and social consequences is widely supported. 

The people of Lolabé, set to host the ore terminal, demand fair compensation and resettlement plans that respect their rights. Already threatened by the PAK Deepwater Port in Kribi, locals are frustrated by the iron mining project's disregard for their rights, echoing past issues. 

A local mentioned that there were assurances of jobs, schools, hospitals, and roads with the Kribi Deepwater Port project, yet none of these have come to fruition. Furthermore, concerns have arisen that the iron ore project now poses a threat to the land, rivers, and health of the community, ultimately leaving them in a worse economic state.

Local people highlight concerns about biodiversity loss, health risks, land dispossession, and cultural destruction. 

Government officials have dismissed the concerns of Campo district residents, with reports of intimidation against critics. The chief of Ebodjé has received warnings for opposing the project, while villagers in Doum-Essamendjang face political pressure to remain silent.

The Lobé-Kribi Iron Ore Project offers economic potential for Cameroon but poses significant socioeconomic and environmental risks, as highlighted by YPD’s report. Recent findings indicate worsening environmental degradation, escalating social tensions, and poor government response to community grievances. 

Addressing these issues through better stakeholder engagement, independent monitoring, and sustainable development strategies is crucial for mitigating negative impacts and ensuring a fairer, more inclusive approach to resource exploitation.