Evaluating Energy Costs for Sustainable Mining: The Case of CEMAC in Central Africa

Abstract Mining operations are energy-intensive processes that 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), less than 15% of its 44.1 million population has 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, which significantly inflates production costs and deters 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 explores how energy insecurity contributes to limited growth and reduced investment in the mining sector. In response to these challenges, the paper identifies and characterises four sustainable energy solutions suitable for the region with focus on the mining sector: hydroelectric power (HEP), solar energy, wind power, and biomass. Recommendations are provided on how these resources can be harnessed to reduce electricity costs and support long-term mining sustainability in Central Africa.