Cameroon Awards Inaugural Prix Mines Albert Kunz Nlend

The first edition of the Prix Mines Albert Kunz Nlend was held in Cameroon, with two projects receiving top honors. Gabriel Akono Akono and Eugène Binam Mandeng were awarded the prizes for their outstanding projects. The ceremony was presided over by Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Gabriel Dodo Ndoke. A total of 40 projects were submitted, but only two stood out to the jury. The winning projects focused on creating a workshop for cutting and valorizing colored and ornamental stones and characterizing chemical gold grains.

The project by Gabriel Akono Akono aims to establish a workshop in Yaoundé for cutting and valorizing colored and ornamental stones. Eugène Binam Mandeng's project focuses on the chemical characterization of alluvial gold grains and associated heavy metals. This project seeks to identify primary gold mineralizations in tropical zones. Both projects impressed the jury with their quality, applicability, and innovative aspects. As a result, Akono and Mandeng each received a trophy and a cheque for 500,000 FCFA.

The Prix Mines Albert Kunz Nlend is an initiative of the Albert Kunz Nlend Foundation. The foundation honors Albert Kunz Nlend, the first mining engineer in Cameroon, who graduated from the National School of Metallurgy and Mining Industry in Nancy, France, in 1960. After returning to Cameroon, Nlend held significant administrative positions, including Director of Mines and Geology at the Ministry of Mines. His legacy is being celebrated through this award, which aims to encourage innovation and excellence in the mining sector.

The ceremony was attended by several government officials, including Serge Doka Yamigno, Director of the Kaélé School of Mines, who represented the scientific committee. The committee praised the winning projects for their exceptional quality and potential impact. Minister Gabriel Dodo Ndoke congratulated the winners, expressing his admiration for their work. The award is expected to promote technological development and innovation in Cameroon's mining industry.

According to Professor Anne Ester Njom Nlend, daughter of Albert Kunz Nlend, her father was a pioneer in Cameroon's mining sector. She shared her father's background, highlighting his education and career achievements. The award is a testament to his legacy and contributions to the country's mining industry. The ceremony marked an important milestone in promoting innovation and excellence in the sector.

The two winning projects have the potential to contribute significantly to Cameroon's economic development. The country's mining sector is expected to benefit from the innovative approaches presented by Akono and Mandeng. The award aims to encourage more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The government is expected to continue supporting initiatives that promote innovation and technological development.

The Prix Mines Albert Kunz Nlend is set to become an annual event, promoting excellence and innovation in Cameroon's mining sector. The award is expected to attract more participants in the future, providing a platform for young innovators to showcase their projects. The government and the Albert Kunz Nlend Foundation are committed to supporting the development of the mining sector, which is crucial to Cameroon's economic growth.

Key points

• The award promotes innovation and excellence in Cameroon's mining sector.
• Two projects received top honors in the inaugural edition of the Prix Mines Albert Kunz Nlend.
• The award is an initiative of the Albert Kunz Nlend Foundation, honoring the legacy of Albert Kunz Nlend, the first mining engineer in Cameroon.