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Lands Ministry reserves surface contract mining for indigenous firms
•2 min read•2 sources
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has issued new policy directives mandating that all contract mining for surface operations be conducted exclusively by indigenous Ghanaian companies. This regulatory shift also requires that any underground mining operations involving contract services must include a Ghanaian partner holding at least a 50 percent interest in the venture. These measures are being implemented under the framework of the Minerals and Mining (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2431).
A primary objective of the directives is to safeguard the welfare of workers as the industry transitions from owner-operated mining to contract mining models. Following extensive consultations with the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union and other industry stakeholders, the government has guaranteed that no worker will experience a reduction in salaries, benefits, or overall working conditions. The Ministry has emphasized a strict non-tolerance policy toward any unfair labor practices that might emerge during this transition period.
The Minerals Commission has been officially tasked with the enforcement of these new standards across the sector. Mining companies and stakeholders have been given a deadline of November 30, 2026, to ensure full compliance with the directives. By prioritizing indigenous participation in surface mining and mandating significant local equity in underground projects, the government aims to deepen the local economic impact of the extractive industry while maintaining industrial stability.
