Call for expressions of interest for the recruitment of a consultant to carry out a precise geophysical study on 2 (two) blocks of 100 (one hundred) hectares each chosen on the grounds of overall reconnaissance over the SIKOUM exploration permit.

novembre 20, 2025 . Par: sonamines

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

As part of the achievement of exploration activities aimed for the mining of mineral substances, SONAMINES applied for and was granted the exploration permit named “Sikoum” valid for limestone by Order No.AR000165/A/MINMIDT/SG/DM/SDCM of 27 June 2023.

Subsequently, SONAMINES undertook to carry out several works, including subsurface core sampling, pitting, and a summary geophysical survey conducted in February 2023 by a consultant recruited for this purpose, over an area of 40 hectares, which in general, helped to confirm the presence of limestone formations.

However, the results obtained could hardly be correlated with the geophysical data available, based on the core sampling feedback, hence the need to carry out a precise geophysical survey to fine-tune the subsoil imaging and ease the understanding of the limestone resource.

In a bid to circumscribe the interest area of the permit, an overall reconnaissance campaign conducted from 5 to 15 March 2025, helped to define a surface area of 6 km² for the conduct of future works. For the continuation of works, a precise geophysical survey was envisaged, thus the need to recruit a consultant.

The precise survey referred to above, which is planned to be carried out on two blocks of 100 hectares each, delineated in the aforementioned interest area, will help to have a better understanding of the geometry of the limestone deposit, and deepen the knowledge of the two blocks chosen, including the continuity, spatial distribution and extension of the limestone formations identified.

Ultimately, the results obtained will allow for a serene and precise planning of core samplings on this prospect highlighted after the reconnaissance phase.

PURPOSE

This Call for Expressions of Interest (CEI) aims to select a consultant to carry out a precise geophysics electrical survey that will help to have a better knowledge of the geometry of the limestone deposit, deepen the knowledge of the two blocks chosen, including the continuity, spatial distribution and extension of the limestone formations identified.

Specifically, the work will consist in:

carrying out an electrical data collection campaign;
carrying out the pre-treatment, treatment and interpretation of data collected;
achieving a 2D and 3D mapping of the lateral and vertical breakdown of lithologic formations found at various depths;
designing 2D and 3D geological models of ground images;
making an estimate of the theoretical amounts of limestone;
appraising the thickness, homogeneity and continuity of limestone layers on the blocks under survey;
characterizing the waste rock;
proposing ideal positions for the execution of loose mesh core drilling and, as appropriate, close-spaced borehole logging.

PARTICIPATION AND ORIGIN

Participation in this CEI is open to Firms or Engineering Offices established in Cameroon, made up of experts with proven knowledge in the realisation of geophysical surveys.

NATURE OF WORKS

The Firm or Engineering Office shall be in charge of:

drafting an inception report containing the work calendar, the data collection method, the material and software used, the proposed methodology and the Quality Assurance Plan ((QAP).
Drafting a Mission report containing the following information:
- the geographical, geological and hydrological context of prospects;
- the survey methodology;
- the treatment and interpretation methodology;
- a map showing profile alignment on each Block;
- use of altimetry for rectifications on geophysical profiles to be integrated on the topographic map;
- a detailed topographic map showing contour lines and geodetic control points;
- a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) for each Block;
- a presentation of each profile interpreted as pseudo sections for Block 1, and for Block 2, illustrating therein a table for each profile and indicating: the date of realisation of the profile, the length of the device at ground, the maximum theoretical depth of the survey, the physical parameter(s) analysed, the measure setting type, the number of measure electrodes, the number of measure points before filtering, the number of measure points after filtering;
- a detailed analysis and interpretation of each pseudo section highlighting the limestone, the marl, the clay, the sandstone…;
- in-depth iso maps interpreted at each 0.5m of depth up to 150m and showing the potential nature of elements found (limestone, marl, sandstone…);
- iso maps of theoretical waste rock;
- geophysical and lithological logs;
- location point forecast maps for loose mesh core drilling and, as appropriate, close-spaced borehole logging;
- a 2D and 3D geological model of each Block.
The production of a digital data base containing all digital data, a file with the XYZ coordinates of electrode stations for the geo-referencing of profiles, raw data and inverted files, a file on the project relating to the processing of electrical data on Res2DInv, Res3DInv; Surfer, Oasis, Rockworks.

FINANCING

The services covered by this consultation are financed by SONAMINES’ budget, 2025 financial year and following.

EXECUTION DEADLINE

The period for the execution of the services is 3 (three) months from the day after the meeting to launch the execution of this mission.

TENDER FILE

To avoid disqualification, the candidate must present the following elements in as clear and detailed a manner as possible:

7.1 Volume 1 (Administrative Documents)

“Volume 1” shall comprise administrative documents (originals or certified true copies, dated less than 3 (three) months:

– a stamped and signed declaration of intent to tender dated less than 3 (three) months;

– a stamped certificate of no fees dated less than 3 (three) months;

– a certified true copy of the Trade Register;

– a certificate of non-bankruptcy dated less than 90 (ninety) days, issued by the Court within the Bidder’s place of business;

– a grouping agreement, where applicable;

– an attestation of non-exclusion from public contracts issued by the General Manager of the Public Contracts Regulatory Agency;

– a certified true copy of the authorisation to carry out geophysical surveys or any other document in lieu thereof;

– an authorization to check references duly signed by the General Manager of the Firm or Engineering Office, authorizing SONAMINES to carry out all verifications deemed necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information relating to the references provided;

The absence or invalidity of any of the above documents shall result in the outright rejection of the file.

In the case of a grouping, each member must produce all the above administrative documents and a single notarized deed on the establishment of the grouping shall be sufficient for its members.

7.2 Volume 2 (Technical File)

The Technical File shall contain the following:

The complete flowchart of the company
- A brief presentation of the Firm or Engineering Office

The candidate shall briefly present his Firm or Engineering Office, including the organizational chart.

The list of qualified permanent staff

The candidate shall provide a list of qualified permanent staff employed at his headquarters.

Human Resources:

Bidders shall provide a list describing the staff proposed for the execution of the services under this Call for Expressions of Interest together with:

-the signed CV of each staff member;

-a certified true copy of each staff member’s diploma;

-a certificate of availability;

-proof of provision of similar services;

Failure to provide any of these documents shall result in a 0 (zero) score for the expert concerned.

For this purpose, the Firm shall show proof of its ability to mobilize a staff made up of:

Experts to mobilise	Proficiency/Experience
Head of Mission	Senior Geophysicist Geologist or Senior Geophysicist, GCE A Level+5 minimum, with at least 10 (ten) years’ experience in planning, and the design, quality control and follow-up of geo electricity campaigns.
Junior Geophysicist or Junior Geophysicist Engineer	GCE A Level+5 minimum with at least 5 (five) years’ experience in enterprise application development and at least 2 (two) similar missions carried out;
Topographer	GCE A Level+5, with 5 (five) years’ experience in the field.

7.2.3 References of the Firm

The Firm or Engineering Office must provide documents on the missions it (or its experts) has (have) successfully carried out over the past 10 (ten) years.

In order to be validated, each reference in similar services must be justified by the following elements:

-a copy of an excerpt from the contract, including the first and last pages. These documents must be clear and legible;

-the name of the Project Owner;

-the place of execution of the project;

-the certificate of services rendered issued by the Project Owner or by his services, or the acceptance report for the services provided.

-the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP).

7.2.4 Material Resources

Bidders must show proof of ownership or rental of the following material resources:

– Geophysical data collection equipment;

– Total station.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Upon reception of the Bids submitted, the Project Owner shall evaluate them according to the following criteria:

8.1. Eliminatory Criteria

-incomplete administrative file;

-forged documents;

-technical score less than 70/100.

8.2. Essential Criteria (total 100 points)

– General presentation of the Offer, 05 points;

– Reference of the Firm for similar services over the last 10 (ten) years, 10 points;

-Key staff, 60 points

-material means 10 points

-Quality Assurance Plan 15 points

8.3. Evaluation Chart

N°	Criteria				Sub-criteria	Score	Rating
I	General presentation of the Offer				Legibility		/1 pt
					Layout		/2 pts
					Binding		/2 pts
Total score on the presentation of the Offer							/5 pts
II	References of the Firm (10 points)
	Specific references in similar projects		1st and last pages of the registered contract			Acceptance Report/Attestation of service rendered
			/2 pts			/3 pts
			/2 pts			/3 pts
Total score on references /10			/4 pts			/6 pts
III	Key staff: 60 points
1	Head of Mission Senior Geophysicist Geologist or Senior Geophysicist: 25 points				Conformity of the diploma: 10 points Number of years of experience required: 05 points Proof of experience in the specific field: 2×5 points= 10 points
2	Junior Geophysicist or Junior Geophysicist Engineer: 20 points				Conformity of the diploma: 05 points Number of years of experience required: 05 points Proof of experience in the specific field: 2×5 points= 10 points
3	Topographer: 15 points				Conformity of the diploma: 05 points Number of years of experience required: 10 points
IV		Material means: 10 points
		Geophysical data collection equipment		2×2.5=05 points
		Total station		05 points
V		Quality Assurance Plan: 15 points
		Quality Assurance Plan		15 points
Overall total				/100 points

NB: After evaluation, only Bidders who would have totalled a technical score equal to at least 70 (seventy) points over one-hundred (100), shall be selected.

SUBMISSION OF BIDS

Firms or Engineering Offices wishing to express their interest in this pre-selection must submit a file presented in two envelopes under a single closed anonymous cover bearing the following label:

” CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST N°000003/ASMI/SONAMINES/DG/ OF 20/11/2025 FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTANT TO CARRY OUT A PRECISE GEOPHYSICAL STUDY ON 2 (TWO) BLOCKS OF 100 (ONE HUNDRED) HECTARES EACH CHOSEN ON THE GROUNDS OF OVERALL RECONNAISSANCE OVER THE SIKOUM EXPLORATION PERMIT.”

DATE AND PLACE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF FILES

Expressions of interest, drafted in English or French in 4 (four) copies of which 1 (one) original and 3 (three) copies marked as such, must be deposited under sealed envelope at the Mail Office of SONAMINES’ Head Office located at Avenue Marc-Vivien FOE, former SODEPA street entrance, latest on 03/12/2025 at 1:00 pm.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Further information can be obtained during working hours at SONAMINES’ Head Office in Yaoundé, located at Avenue Marc Vivien FOE, former SODEPA street entrance, Tel: (237) 242 058 396/658 056 790 / 671 288 909, upon publication of this notice.

FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AND MALPRACTICE

Call CONAC on the following toll-free number to report any attempt at corruption or malpractice: 1517

ASMI EN