Why it Matters
The arrival of locomotives in Cameroon moves the Minim Martap Bauxite Project closer to operational readiness, with rail logistics forming a central part of the planned movement of ore between the Inland Rail Facility and the Port of Douala.
For Cameroon’s rail and mining logistics sector, the development also strengthens the link between mineral production, rail capacity and port access. Canyon’s increased stake in Camrail adds a further rail-sector dimension, particularly around bauxite transportation, infrastructure oversight and the planned production ramp-up.
Canyon Resources Limited has confirmed the arrival of locomotives in Cameroon for its Minim Martap Bauxite Project, marking a further step in the development of the project’s mine-to-port rail logistics chain.
The locomotives were delivered in June 2026 to Canyon’s in-country subsidiary, Camalco Cameroon S.A. The company said the delivery supports the broader production ramp-up at Minim Martap and forms part of the logistics infrastructure required to move ore between the Inland Rail Facility and the Port of Douala.
The milestone follows Canyon’s increased equity stake in Camrail, Cameroon’s primary rail operator, from 9.1% to 26.9%. According to the company, the enlarged holding is expected to provide greater influence over bauxite transportation, strengthen oversight of the PQ2 upgrade and improve alignment between Camrail operations and the Minim Martap Project.
Following the arrival of the locomotives, Canyon will begin a six-to-eight-week commissioning, testing and operator training programme. This is intended to position the rail network for the start of initial ore transport between the Inland Rail Facility and the Port of Douala during Q3 2026.
The first 60 rail wagons have left the factory and are scheduled to arrive in Cameroon in mid-August 2026. A further 100 wagons are scheduled to arrive in Douala in late Q3 2026.
The Stage 1 rail fleet will comprise seven locomotives and 160 wagons, with an expected transport capacity of approximately 35,000 wMt per month. Canyon said this will provide the foundation for the project’s planned production ramp-up and export activities.
Subject to finalising US$160 million in additional funding, the Stage 2 development phase includes upgrades to sections of rail infrastructure, as well as the delivery of an additional 15 locomotives and 400 wagons. This expansion is expected to increase rail transport capacity to approximately 105,000 wMt per month by early Q3 2027. Without the additional funding, Minim Martap production is expected to remain at approximately 35,000 wMt per month.
Trial mining is expected to commence in Q3 2026, subject to final discussions with local communities. Canyon said this will allow the company to establish operational readiness, optimise mining procedures and progressively build ore stockpiles ahead of first shipments. The mining operation is expected to reach the required production rates ahead of logistics commissioning, reducing the risk of ore availability constraining the planned export schedule.
Infrastructure and operational readiness work is progressing, with Canyon working with logistics and operational partners ahead of mobilisation. Construction of the ore haulage road, Inland Rail Facility and port dredging are scheduled for completion late in Q3 2026, supporting the planned first bauxite shipment from the Port of Douala in Q4 2026.
Canyon also announced that Mark Hohnen will retire as Non-Executive Chairman and Director of Canyon Resources Limited, effective 25 August 2026. The company said a further update on board succession arrangements will be provided in due course.
Commenting on the retirement and development progress at Minim Martap, Managing Director Peter Secker said: “The Board and Management are deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s retirement. His leadership, commitment, and significant contribution across all levels of the Company over many years have been instrumental in advancing the Minim Martap Project to its current stage. The Project would not be where it is today without his dedication and influence. On behalf of the Company, we extend our sincere thanks to Mark and wish him all the best in his retirement.
“We are pleased to be making continual and rapid progress at Minim Martap as we work toward the commencement of mining and our first shipment target of Q4, 2026. Our operational and infrastructure workstreams are advancing well, we remain focused on delivering this milestone on schedule and transitioning our world class, long-life Minin Martap Project into an operating asset and Canyon as a producer of high-quality bauxite ore.
“Importantly, Canyon will be producing and shipping bauxite before the end of 2026, establishing our position as a supplier of this critical mineral to global markets. We are committed to building on that foundation as we progress funding discussions to support the ramp-up of production.”
