Evaluating energy costs for sustainable mining: The case of CEMAC in Central Africa

Abstract

Mining operations are inherently energy-intensive, as they rely heavily on electricity, diesel, and explosives. In the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), comprising Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea, energy supply is a critical barrier to the sustainability of mining operations. Despite the region’s immense hydroelectric potential (estimated at over 650,000 GWh annually), a significant proportion of its 67 million population still lacks access to electricity. The national grids are poorly interconnected, and supply remains insufficient and unreliable. Consequently, mining companies are often forced to rely on costly diesel-powered generators to sustain operations, thereby significantly inflating production costs and deterring potential investors. This study examines the impact of high electricity costs on the sustainability and competitiveness of mining operations across the CEMAC region. Through comparative analysis and literature synthesis, it evaluates energy sources and costs, infrastructure limitations, and potential solutions. The study also examines how energy insecurity contributes to limited growth and reduced investment in the region’s mining sector. In response to these challenges, the paper identifies and characterises four sustainable energy solutions suitable for the region with a focus on the mining sector. They include hydroelectric power (HEP), solar energy, wind power, and biomass. Recommendations are provided for harnessing these resources to reduce electricity costs and support long-term mining sustainability in the CEMAC region of Central Africa.