Construction of the Inland Rail Facility and Upgrades Underway
Key Highlights
- Launch of the Inland Rail Facility (IRF) construction and ore haulage road upgrade
- Essential infrastructure for efficient bauxite transfer from the Minim Martap Mine
- Engineering development for rail and port infrastructure to start shortly, with production scheduled for early 2026
In a significant development for Canyon Resources Limited (ASX: CAY), the construction of the Inland Rail Facility (IRF) has officially commenced at Makor, marking a pivotal step in the Minim Martap Bauxite Project. This initiative is crucial for establishing a robust supply chain to export bauxite from Cameroon efficiently.
A recent ground-breaking ceremony attracted notable participants, including Canyon’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Mark Hohnen, senior officials from the government, local community members, and representatives from Eagle Eye Asset Holdings Pte. Ltd., a cornerstone investor in the project. The prompt initiation of construction follows the approval from the Cameroon Government, showcasing Canyon’s commitment to advancing the project swiftly.
Along with the IRF, the company is also upgrading the ore haulage road, which is instrumental in linking the Minim Martap Project with the IRF. This project is an essential element in the chain that ensures effective transportation of bauxite.
Mr. Mark Hohnen emphasized the importance of these infrastructure developments: “Starting construction on the IRF and upgrading the haulage road is a crucial milestone for Canyon as we push toward our first production, anticipated for early 2026, followed by our maiden shipment in the first half of that year.”
He further elaborated on the implications of these projects: “The IRF and the access road will enable us to tranship bauxite safely and cost-effectively to the Port of Douala, facilitating exports to the ever-growing global market.” This moment marks a celebration of partnership and dedication among stakeholders, illustrating Canyon's promising future in bauxite production.
Canyon Resources has secured necessary rail access to the Port of Douala, as well as 65,000 square meters for the storage and loading of bauxite. This setup allows for the efficient handling of up to 6 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of bauxite ore, with plans to expand this capacity to 10 Mtpa as production increases.
In comments from Canyon’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Secker, he noted, “The successful execution of these essential projects aligns with other initiatives that will enhance our supply chain. We have already placed orders for critical path items, including road construction and locomotives, marking a progressive step in our development strategy.”
Secker mentioned that initial engineering and design for other significant rail and port infrastructure components would commence shortly. This includes the construction of rail sidings, passing bays, and necessary port storage and loading facilities. “Exciting times are ahead for Minim Martap, and we are keen on keeping our investors updated as we progress toward production,” he added.
The Canyon Resources Limited team is thrilled about this new phase in their project and is dedicated to fulfilling the strategic plans set forth. With the impending production start, Canyon is positioning itself as a key player in the bauxite market.
For inquiries, please reach out to:
Peter Secker
Chief Executive Officer
Canyon Resources Limited
T +61 8 6385 2263
E: info@canyonresources.com.au
Cameron Gilenko
Investor Relations & Media
Sodali & Co
T +61 6160 4909
E: cameron.gilenko@sodali.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Inland Rail Facility (IRF) project?
The IRF is a critical infrastructure initiative intended to streamline the transportation of bauxite from the Minim Martap Mine to international markets via the Port of Douala.
When is the expected production start date for the Minim Martap Project?
Canyon Resources aims to start production in early 2026, with the first bauxite shipment anticipated in the first half of that year.
Who attended the ground-breaking ceremony?
The ceremony included Canyon executives, government officials, community leaders, and representatives from key investors.
What capacity is Canyon Resources planning for bauxite production?
The current planned capacity is 6 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), with aspirations to extend it to 10 Mtpa as production scales up.
What are the next steps following this construction announcement?
The next steps include commencing engineering design work for essential rail and port infrastructure and managing the supply chain's development.
