Canyon Resources Advances Minim Martap Logistics with Cameroon Locomotive Delivery

Canyon Resources (ASX: CAY) has received locomotives for its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon, marking a key step in building the mine-to-port logistics chain ahead of planned first shipment.

The first 60 rail wagons have left the factory and are scheduled to arrive in Douala in mid-August, with a further 100 scheduled to reach Cameroon late in the September quarter.

Delivered to Canyon’s in-country subsidiary Camalco Cameroon SA in June, the locomotives will now enter a six-week phase of commissioning, testing, and operator training.

Mining at Minim Martap remains scheduled to begin in the September quarter, with first bauxite shipment from the Port of Douala still targeted for the December quarter.

The update follows Canyon’s recent increase in its equity stake in Camrail, Cameroon’s primary rail operator, from 9.1% to 26.9%.

Capacity Expansion Sought

Canyon expects the 160-strong fleet to provide transport capacity of approximately 35,000 wet metric tonnes (wMt) per month, establishing the foundation for the project’s planned production ramp-up and export activities.

Canyon is seeking to finalise US$160 million of additional funding for the Stage 2 development phase, which includes upgrades to sections of rail infrastructure and delivery of a further 15 locomotives and 400 wagons.

The expansion would potentially lift rail transport capacity to approximately 105,000wMt per month by early in the September quarter of 2027.

Canyon considers the larger rail package central to its strategy of progressively scaling production from Minim Martap.

September Trial Mining

The trial mining expected to commence in the September quarter will allow Canyon to establish operational readiness, optimise mining procedures, and progressively build ore stockpiles before first shipment.

The mining operation is expected to reach required production rates ahead of logistics commissioning.

This should reduce the risk that ore availability becomes a constraint on the initial export schedule.

Construction of the ore haulage road, inland rail facility, and port dredging are scheduled for completion late in the September quarter.

First Shipment Target

Managing director Peter Secker said Canyon was continuing to advance Minim Martap toward its first shipment target.

“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, [and] we are committed to building on that foundation as we progress funding discussions to support the ramp-up of production.”

Canyon also confirmed non-executive chair Mark Hohnen—whose tenure included delivery of the critical mining licence and the ongoing development work that has positioned Minim Martap as a near-term operational asset—will retire as chair and director effective 25 August.

“The project would not be where it is today without Mark’s dedication and influence—on behalf of the company, we extend our sincere thanks wish him all the best in his retirement,” Mr Secker said.