By DOH JAMES SONKEY
The Minister of Mines, Industries and Technological Development has disclosed that he will give more value to development minerals hitherto neglected such as sand, gravel and stone in Cameroon.
The revelation was made last January 24, 2019 at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex at the official opening ceremony of the annual conference of central and devolved services of the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development extended to affiliated bodies under the theme “Development minerals: what contribution for Cameroon’s industrialization. “
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Gabriel Dodo Ndoke explained that government partners through the European Union-African Caribbean and Pacific programme executed by UNDP are supporting Cameroon in its initiative to give value to these minerals.
In a chat with reporters, the Minister of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, Gabriel Dodo Ndoke explained that “development minerals were those hitherto neglected and considered of low value such as sand, gravel, stones etc. Up till now, these minerals were never considered as ones having a certain value, that is, added value. The EU-ACP programme is accompanying government to give value to the exploitation of development minerals and help Cameroon in the construction of its industries. Thanks to our cooperation with these international partners, we have put up a large programme to showcase what these minerals can bring to Cameroon in terms of development in our country. It is worth emphasizing that these minerals are those used, exploited and transported locally integrating different industrial, construction and agricultural projects.”
It is worth noting that the European Union, EU- ACP Development Mineral programme implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP and funded at 13.1 billion Euro by the EU is a key part of the ACP framework of Action on the development of mineral resources sector, endorsed by the ACP Committee of Ambassadors in 2011.
Joining government at the time the President of the Republic, Paul Biya has ordered the speeding up the promotion of agro-industry, Minister Dodo Ndoke will have to work hand in gloves with local council authorities within the framework of accelerated decentralization in the promotion and valorization of development minerals.
The Mines, Industries and Technological Development boss concluded that “The local development of our communities will largely depend on how we valorize these development minerals.”
The annual conference was crowned last January 25, 2019 by New Year wishes presentation ceremony to Minister, Dodo Ndoke Gabriel and Secretary of State to the Minister of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, Fuh Calistus Gentry.
After presenting the annual report of activities carried out by the ministry in 2018, the Secretary General, Fru Jonathan led staff of the ministry in wishing well to the Minister and Secretary of State.
Wishing his staff well also in return, Minister Dodo Ndoke announced that he will this year start the implantation of the large and delicate project of industrial unit in each sub division of Cameroon.