Wood has been awarded a major engineering contract for the Ngovayang Iron Ore project in Southern Cameroon, marking a significant milestone in the country’s emerging mining sector. This project will play a key role in meeting the rising global demand for critical minerals essential to the energy transition.
The contract, granted by Cameroon Mining Action SA (Camina), a subsidiary of Jindal Group, entrusts Wood with the engineering and design of a state-of-the-art mineral processing facility. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce up to 7.2 million tonnes of magnetite iron ore annually. Wood will also develop supporting infrastructure and design an innovative 130km concentrate pipeline that will transport the processed ore to the Port of Kribi.
As one of the first large-scale mining projects in Cameroon, Ngovayang strengthens Wood’s position as a leading engineering partner in the country’s developing mining industry.
Over the past decade, Camina has made significant investments in exploring and evaluating the Ngovayang site, which is located in a rugged, mountainous region with high rainfall, posing substantial engineering challenges.
Gerry Traynor, President of Projects – Eastern Hemisphere at Wood, commented on the award:
“Wood’s extensive expertise in iron ore processing and experience with complex, remote projects makes us a strong partner for Camina. We are excited to contribute to one of Cameroon’s pioneering mining ventures, ensuring that the project delivers sustainable value for both our client and the wider community.”
He further emphasized the growing demand for iron ore, stating:
“With the iron ore market projected to reach nearly $400 billion by 2032, projects like Ngovayang will set a precedent for Cameroon’s future as a key supplier of minerals essential to the energy transition.”
The engineering phase of the project is scheduled for completion in Q2 2025 and will be executed primarily from Wood’s Johannesburg office.
Source: woodplc.com
