Ghana has ordered major global miners to hand operations to local contractors by December 2026 or face penalties and shutdowns.
The directive targets Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti and Zijin Mining, according to sources and official documents.
Authorities say the move is part of sweeping reforms to increase domestic ownership and retain more value within Ghana’s lucrative gold sector.
Under rules introduced in January 2025, surface mining must be fully Ghanaian-owned, while underground operations require at least 50 percent local ownership.
Officials said most large miners have already transitioned, leaving only a handful of companies still operating mines with internal workforces.
AngloGold Ashanti said it already uses contract mining at its Iduapriem site and is moving toward full compliance by year-end.
The company added the transition was a commercial decision taken before the government introduced the new regulatory framework.
Zijin Mining said it has been working with regulators since late 2025, preparing tenders and adjusting operations for the shift.
Newmont, which operates major gold mines in Ghana, has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
Sources said all three companies sought deadline extensions, citing operational and regulatory complexities linked to restructuring mining activities.
Regulators rejected those requests, insisting that other listed firms have already complied and that delays are not justified.
Officials warned that failure to meet the deadline could trigger heavy fines and, ultimately, mine closures if non-compliance persists.
Across Africa, governments are tightening control over mineral wealth as prices rise, seeking a larger share of profits and stronger local industries.
Ghana’s policy aims to nurture domestic contractors and build technical capacity, with firms such as Rocksure and Engineers & Planners emerging as key players.
Industry voices, however, caution that efficiency and commercial viability must remain central as the country reshapes its mining landscape.
