Ghana has ordered major foreign gold miners Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, and Zijin Mining to transition their mining operations to local contractors by December 2026, warning that failure to comply could result in sanctions.
The directive, issued by Ghana’s Minerals Commission, forms part of the government’s broader push to deepen local participation in Africa’s largest gold‑producing nation and strengthen national control over natural resources. Under current policy, surface mining must be conducted by companies that are 100% Ghanaian‑owned, while underground mining operations require at least 50% local ownership.
Most large operators have already moved to contract‑mining models aligned with the rules, but Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti and Zijin Mining remain among a small group still operating with their own workforce. The companies were formally notified of the compliance deadline following requests for additional time to transition.
The policy builds on reforms introduced in January 2025, as Ghana joins a broader regional trend of tightening mining regulations amid elevated commodity prices. Similar moves have been seen in countries such as Mali, where authorities have recently enforced a revised mining code.
The government’s stance was reinforced earlier this month when it rejected Gold Fields’ lease renewal at the Damang gold mine, transferring operations to Ghanaian contractor Engineers & Planners. A subsequent notice from Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah‑Kofi Buah confirmed that only fully Ghanaian‑owned firms would be eligible to apply for the asset.
Zijin Mining’s Ghana unit indicated it has been working with regulators since late 2025 to align with the new framework, including preparing tenders and technical transition plans.
The directive is expected to have a material impact on Ghana’s mining sector, accelerating localisation of operations and reinforcing the state’s objective of retaining a greater share of value from gold production.
