Ghana is expected to revise its proposed mining lease limits as sector organisations seek clarity on the legislation and stronger cybersecurity protections across the sector.
Two senior government officials and a mining executive told Reuters a replacement mining bill would propose a maximum 20-year lease, aligning with the mines minister’s July policy announcement.
The published Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026 proposes a 15-year limit, or the projected life of the mine if shorter, compared with up to 30 years under existing law.
A mines ministry official, speaking anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly, says the submitted document contained an error.
“There was a mistake with the document that eventually went to Parliament and that will be corrected,” the official says.
No timetable for the replacement bill was provided.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has separately sought clarification of Reuters’ earlier reporting. Its 7 October statement says the minister’s power to require companies to issue the state a special share already exists under the 2006 legislation, Ghanaian news website Citi Newsroom reports.
The chamber says the draft retains that power with revised sanctions, while the 20-year lease term remains a policy intention.
Meanwhile, the Minerals Income Investment Fund is calling for stronger cybersecurity across mining operations. Protecting operational technology and industrial control systems is essential to safe operations, the fund says, according to Business & Financial Times reporting.
Local contracting requirements are also approaching a deadline. Newmont (NYSE:NEM), Zijin Mining Group (HKEX:2899), and other operators have until 31 December to transfer certain mining activities to qualifying local contractors.
As previously reported by Mining.com.au in September, the Minerals Commission is developing wage and tender safeguards intended to protect workers and discourage bids that may not cover operating, training, and safety costs.
(with files from Reuters)
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: Ghana Chamber of Mines
