These public hearings concerned the villages of Ndomdjengue and Binoum in the Sanaga-Maritime department. They began with the arrival of the Sub-Prefect of the Nyanon district, representing the Prefect, accompanied by officials and experts from the administrations respectively responsible for energy, environment, and mines. In each village, the procedure was the same. Local residents had gathered in large numbers under tents set up for the occasion. At each stage, community leaders welcomed the delegation led by the administrative authority.


Subsequently, the consultants who had conducted the various impact studies presented the technical and functional characteristics of the proposed quarry, the main environmental and social risks identified, and the relevant measures envisaged to avoid, reduce, or compensate for these impacts. Finally, the Sub-Prefect of the Nyanon district and the Departmental Delegate of MINEPDED (Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development) reiterated the regulatory framework justifying these public consultations. This framework includes, on the one hand, the reconnaissance permit granted to KHPC to conduct technical studies on the site envisaged for the Binoum quarry, and on the other hand, the requirement to hold public consultations with impacted communities as part of the ESIAs (Environmental and Social Impact Assessments). It should be noted that these public consultations follow the signing by the Minister of State Property, Land Registry and Land Affairs (MINDCAF) of the decree declaring the works to be carried out on this site as a matter of public utility (Déclaration d'Utilité Publique - DUP).


It was in this context that the large number of residents present then had the opportunity to voice their concerns, questions, and grievances regarding the quarry project. These concerns were recorded, and an initial level of clarification and detail was provided by the various responsible officials and relevant experts. The exchanges took place in a spirit of cordiality and frankness, leading to the signing of minutes by all stakeholders.