Cameroon ordered to pay $616 million to Sundance over Mbalam iron ore dispute

An International Chamber of Commerce arbitration tribunal ruled that Cameroon must pay Sundance Resources US$616 million in damages stemming from the stalled Mbalam‑Nabeba iron‑ore project that straddles Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. Sundance, an Australian mining firm, had sought US$5.5 billion; the award is far lower but represents a rare win after the company previously lost a similar case against Congo earlier in the year.

The award was financed by litigation funder Burford Capital, which estimates its entitlement could exceed A$250 million if the judgment is fully enforced. Cameroon plans to challenge the decision in Paris courts, and any enforcement would have to overcome sovereign‑immunity barriers and potentially lengthy procedures.