Raw Material Exploitation: Development, sustainability questions raised

A two-day conference by ‘Institut des Matières Premières’ kicked off in Douala on Thursday.

Raw materials and natural resources is the mainstay of most economies but exploitation of the resources does not reflect the level of development in the Central African Monetary and Economic Community, CEMAC, zone.

Though just a few years to emergence, governments of member countries are still far struggling with reforms to that effect, major infrastructure like roads, schools and hospitals around extractive industries are insufficient. Others suffer from water related diseases due to scarcity of potable water.

Exploiting natural resources in a sustainable manner while observing environmental norms, and carrying out appropriate Corporate Social Responsibility will propel development and guarantee a brighter future for generations to come.

During the 4th edition of the Raw Material Days placed under the theme: “Exploitation of raw material and sustainable development: Case study of Extractive Industries in the CEMAC Zone”, the Director of ‘Institut des Matières Premières’, Germain Salla, said the two-day reflection will widen participant’s knowledge on sustainable development, disclosed opportunities linked to sustainable development in the sector and deepen their knowledge on the policies in the sector on the national and international levels.

Representing the Minister of Mines, Industy and Technological Development, Etienne Alain Minyemeck said it takes good governance to sustainably exploit natural resources. Since revenue from natural resources contributes greatly to State budget, an ongoing reform in the mining sector will clearly outline the role of each stakeholder, thus, contributing to sustainable development.

Raw material including Arabica and Robusta coffee, cocoa beans, petroleum products and some precious stones were showcased during the opening ceremony.