THE QUARRY INDUSTRY AND THE CAMEROONOIAN LAW

Abstract

Quarrying like other mining sectors contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of many countries, providing raw materials for local industries and for exports, facilitating the provision of infrastructures such as roads and the opening up of remote areas as well as providing employment opportunities. To promote the development of this sector in Cameroon, Law No.2016/017 of 14 December 2016 on the Cameroonian Mining Code amending and supplementing Law No. 2001/01 of 16 April 2001 was promulgated. In this regards, this article seeks to examine the extent to which the Cameroonian laws regulates the operations and activities of quarry operators in Cameroon. The study relied on published and unpublished studies carried out in the quarry sector in Cameroon to gather the secondary data that facilitated the development of this work. The article reveals that although quarry activities have contributed to sprout economic development in the country, the environmental and health changeless associated with this activity cannot be overlooked. In this light to promote sustainable quarry operations in Cameroon, the researcher emphasised on proper follow-up and monitoring of quarry operations in Cameroon with stringent sanctions instituted against any operators who fails to comply with the laws that regulates this sector of the economy.