Ghana Establishes December Deadline for Newmont, AngloGold, and Zijin to Transition Mining Operations to Local Companies

The directive represents a significant effort by Ghana, Africa’s leading gold producer, to implement stricter local ownership regulations designed to enhance domestic involvement in the mining industry.

The Minerals Commission of Ghana has set a definitive deadline for the three companies that continue to operate mines with their own personnel to shift to contract mining. They remain the final significant operators yet to adhere to the new regulations implemented in January 2025, which mandated that all miners outsource operations under local ownership structures.

According to the regulations, surface mining is required to be conducted by firms that are entirely Ghanaian-owned, whereas underground mining operations must be managed by companies that possess a minimum of 50% Ghanaian ownership.

According to government officials and industry executives, most large-scale miners in Ghana, aside from the three firms and AngloGold Ashanti’s smaller Iduapriem mine, have already embraced contract mining.

The commission provided clear instructions in letters dispatched in October and January, cautioning that non-compliance by the deadline could lead to penalties or potential mine closures.

Zijin’s Ghana unit announced that it has been collaborating with regulators since late 2025 to ensure compliance with local content regulations, which includes the preparation of tenders and technical frameworks for the transition.

Newmont and AngloGold Ashanti have yet to provide a public response; however, sources indicate that Newmont has recently requested an extension until 2027. Regulators rejected the request, citing that other listed firms have already met the necessary requirements.

The change in policy illustrates a wider movement among African countries aiming to boost income from natural resources in light of increasing global commodity prices. Governments are improving mining regulations to retain more value locally and bolster the capabilities of domestic firms.

Officials indicate that Ghanaian companies, including new entrants in the mining services sector, possess the capability to assume greater responsibilities, with the government ready to assist in their transition.

Authorities have issued a warning that companies not adhering to the regulations may incur substantial fines and, if noncompliance persists, could ultimately face suspension of their operations.