ASX-listed bauxite developer Canyon Resources has announced that the location of its inland rail facility (IRF) has been approved by the Cameroon government.

In addition, Canyon Resources’ in-country subsidiary Camalco Cameroon has been allocated 105 ha of land by the Lamido, or ruler, of the city of Ngaoundere to be used for future additions to the IRF and associated infrastructure.

The signing of this land approval is a key milestone in the development of the Minim Martap bauxite project.

The approved IRF location is strategically situated near the existing Makor railway station, enabling integration with existing local infrastructure to enhance construction efficiency.

The approval for the IRF location and allocation of additional land comes after the signing of an underwriting agreement with Eagle Eye Asset Holdings (EEA) to finance the purchase of rolling stock for the development of Minim Martap.

Canyon Resources said on February 4 that it was now focused on progressing key logistical and infrastructure solutions to further derisk the project and support the ongoing definitive feasibility study (DFS).

Upon completion and the start of production, the IRF will be used as a loading station for wagons of bauxite ore brought by road from Minim Martap before being transported by way of the main rail line to port, using the company’s own rolling stock.

“The approval for the location of the IRF is a timely achievement for the company following the recently announced underwriting agreement with EEA to finance the purchase of rolling stock. Key details from these agreements are being factored into the ongoing DFS and the increased oversight of logistics provides Canyon stability in progressing our project,” Canyon Resources CEO Jean Sebastien Boutet said.

He added that having access to an additional 105 ha around the IRF site would provide the company with assurance to construct and develop the IRF and other critical infrastructure for Minim Martap, reinforcing the project’s long-term viability.

“The past six months have been transformative for Canyon, with initial infrastructure solutions in place and strong support from strategic partners and government, we have rapidly derisked the project’s development,” Boutet said.

“The support we’ve received from EEA, the government of Cameroon, and key stakeholders reflects the . . . opportunity that Minim Martap presents to Cameroon and local communities. The broader bauxite market remains in a . . . resilient environment, and we look forward to becoming a key supplier of this critical mineral to future offtake partners,” he added.