Cameroon has launched an ambitious nationwide operation to recover billions of CFA francs in unpaid taxes from the country’s gold mining industry, marking the latest step in the government’s efforts to bring the largely informal sector under tighter control.
Beginning 1 August 2026, authorities will carry out tax and customs inspections across major gold-producing regions, focusing on operators suspected of underreporting production, evading taxes, and bypassing official marketing channels. The government estimates the operation could recover 395 billion CFA francs (about US$680 million) in tax and customs revenue from gold produced in 2025 and 2026.
Government Moves to Recover Lost Revenue
The announcement was made by Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development Fuh Calistus Gentry, who said the operation forms part of a broader strategy to restore transparency and accountability in Cameroon’s mining sector.
According to the ministry, the government expects to recover 95 billion CFA francs from gold production recorded in 2025 and a further 300 billion CFA francs from projected production in 2026. Officials say the revenue will come from reassessing the Mining Synthetic Tax (ISML), customs duties, and other mandatory payments that were either underdeclared or not paid.
Most Gold Bypasses Official Channels
Authorities say the crackdown became necessary after discovering that between 80% and 90% of gold produced by semi-mechanised mining operations never entered official collection systems.
Instead, much of the gold is believed to have been sold through informal networks or smuggled out of the country, depriving the government of substantial tax revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
The East and Adamawa regions, which account for a significant share of Cameroon’s gold production, will be among the primary targets of the operation. Inspectors will verify production records, tax declarations, export documentation, and compliance with mining regulations.
Wider Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The tax recovery campaign is part of a much broader effort to reform Cameroon’s mining industry.
The government says it has identified more than 200 illegal mining operators, many of whom have been working without valid authorisations. Authorities have already referred 137 companies to court for alleged violations of mining laws and have suspended all semi-mechanised mining permits pending compliance reviews.
Officials are also introducing stricter production monitoring systems, minimum monthly gold delivery requirements, improved traceability measures, and tighter licensing controls to prevent future revenue losses.
Gold Smuggling Remains a Major Challenge
The latest measures follow growing concern over discrepancies between Cameroon’s official gold export figures and data reported by international trading partners.
