A report of a local NGO, Youth for Promotion of Development (YPD), published in mid-February 2025 highlights serious social and environmental risks posed by Chinese state-owned Sinosteel's Lobé-Kribi iron ore project, threatening local health, livelihoods and cultural heritage. According to the report, the consultation process with local communities was flawed, with key information withheld and community concerns ignored. Leaders who opposed the project were threatened and silenced.

The report reveals environmental dangers, including potential contamination of rivers and marine parks by mine run-off, and degradation of air quality. The project will displace the entire village of Lolabé and threaten sacred sites. Residents are demanding fair compensation and resettlement plans that respect their rights. Despite strong local opposition and petitions, government officials have largely dismissed these concerns, and there are reports of intimidation of critics.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Sinosteel to respond to the allegations mentioned in the report; it didn't.

In December 2025, YPD published a follow-up report on the environmental and social impact assessment of the Lobé-Kribi Iron Ore Project, alongside the rapid progress of installing the infrastructure necessary for industrial iron ore mining.

The report highlights the impact of deforestation, disruption to biological balances and the dispossession of the village of Lolabé. It also emphasises the lack of consultation and complaint mechanisms.

Business & Human Rights Centre invited Sinosteel to comment on the report; it didn't.