The Minim Martap bauxite project stands out for over a billion tonnes of reserves, each grading at 51.2 per cent alumina with less than 1.7 per cent silica. That's impressive by any industry standard. Compared to other projects in the global market, these numbers give Minim Martap a solid edge.
The Minim Martap project has been on the radar since the 1950s, but the progress stalled for decades due to a lack of infrastructure. With new coastal rail access finally in place and the World Bank's recent USD 816 million investment to expand rail capacity, the project is now positioned for genuine commercial development.
Further glance at the logistics front
The logistics setup spans approximately 40 kilometres from the mine to the rail connection, utilising mechanised road haulage to link with existing infrastructure. The current rail line supports about 2 million tonnes per year. With financial backing from the World Bank, upgrades are in motion to boost rail capacity and reach the target of 10 million tonnes annually.
Douala port already benefits from reliable rail links. Right now, Canyon's main push is expanding stockpile capacity with the target of setting 160,000 tonnes. For ore loading, the firm is opting for contracted barging services. It's a cost-efficient approach that still ensures consistent export performance without heavy upfront investment.