Miners
Ghana’s mining sector has seen some major developments in the years under review.
Paramount among them is the Commissioning of Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, granting of Mining Permit and listing of Atlantic Lithium shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange and the disturbing news of pollution of water bodies and destruction of forest reserves due to illegal mining.
Below is a compilation of some of the major news items for 2024.
Australia’s Cassius Mining takes Ghana to court for US$277m

Cassius Mining has taken the Ghanaian government to court for “breach of contracts” that resulted in the company losing its gold project.
In its claim, Cassius is seeking US$277 million (A$443 million) in damages from the African nation.
In a press release dated Dec. 23, the Australian miner said the claim, witness statements and independent expert reports have all been filed at the International Tribunal in London. The claim amount, it added, represents the “lost profits and damages for the loss of opportunity to develop, establish and benefit from a producing gold mine in its licensed area.”
The company’s Gbane project in northeastern Ghana comprises a large-scale prospecting licence covering a total area of 13.8 km2.
It is situated within the Talensi district of the Upper East region, next to the currently producing Shaanxi gold mine.
Cassius also had a long-running dispute with Shaanxi, alleging that the Chinese mining company operating the mine had dug hundreds of metres underground into its concession and plundered tens of millions of dollars in gold from its veins, according to investigations by the Sydney Morning Herald and a local journalist.
Shaanxi had also been accused of taking extreme measures to keep small-scale miners off their mine site in northern Ghana, including the release of toxic gas that once killed 16 people. Since 2013, it is alleged that more than 60 miners have been killed in Shaanxi’s mines.
Despite these allegations, which Shaanxi denied, Ghana elected to turn a blind eye. Instead, it shut down Cassius’ nearby project in 2019 for what it calls “constitutional non-compliance” because it was not properly ratified under the new Ghanaian law.
“Ghana’s actions, including its failure to renew Cassius’s prospecting licence, has resulted in Cassius being deprived of the entire value and profits of its gold project in Ghana,” Cassius stated in its press release.
To support its claim, the company relied on leading quantum experts AMC Consultants in Perth, Western Australia, and Secretariat in Washington DC.
The claim is being prosecuted through the legal framework of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2010 (Ghana), which is largely based on the provisions of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Rules (UNCITRAL).
Akufo-Addo commissions Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd

Ghana has taken a significant step towards solidifying its position as Africa’s leading gold producer with the commissioning of Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd the third largest Mine in the country and the pouring of its first gold to mark the official opening by President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday, November 8, 2024 in the Talensi district of the Upper East region.
The operationalization of Cardinal Namdini, which is the largest single-stream Mine in West African sub-region, is expected to consolidate Ghana’s position as one of the world’s leading gold producers, with projections that the company will produce three hundred thousand ounces (300,000 oz) annually in the first three years.
Delivering a speech at the commissioning, President Akufo-Addo stated that the establishment of the Mine marks another great step towards positioning Ghana as a premier hub for mining activities in Africa.

He disclosed that his government, since its inception in 2017, has embarked on a mission to expand Ghana’s natural resource base and that the Ghana Geological Survey Authority has received enormous support and funding to actualize this vision.
He stated that the setting up of Cardinal Namdini Mine is indicative of the wealth of mineral resources embedded in the northern part of the country and that these resources will be harnessed for the growth of the area and the country.
He believes that the creation of the Cardinal Namdini Mine is a significant step by the government towards fulfilling its promise to Ghanaians to create jobs and empower citizens economically.
“Today marks yet another significant milestone towards the realization of the vision to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, where all mining and mining-related activities, from exploration to downstream production, and from research to innovation, would be centered”, he said.
“This Mine we commission today is evidence of the power of exploration as the lifeblood of the mining industry. For years, this area, and several other areas within this northern belt of our country, have only been known for small-scale mining. Large-scale mining firms have concentrated on the south, largely influenced by the literature that links gold only to the south of our nation”, he added.

“It is investment in exploration that led to the construction of this mine, which we are told today will become the third largest mine in the country and one of the largest single-stream gold mines in West Africa. And I am thrilled to learn that apart from this remarkable mine, another large-scale mine is under construction in the Upper West Region.”
Enumerating the achievements of his government in the mining sector, President Akufo-Addo noted that his government has, since its inception, worked diligently to create the enabling environment and legal framework for mining companies to thrive in the country.
He mentioned the consistent and improved financial support of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the establishment of offices of the Minerals Commission in Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, and Bole as instructive and important measures taken by the government to make Northern Ghana the face of mining in the country.
“Since 2017, we have increased budgetary allocation to the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to undertake more exploration to identify mineable lands, both for small and large-scale mining. Additionally, we have refurbished the office of the Authority, which was commissioned by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources last week, to provide a conducive environment for staff of the Authority to carry out their operations.
“To ensure the provision of adequate resources for geological investigations, we are amending the Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016 (Act 912) to increase the allocation to the Authority from mineral royalties from eight percent (8%) to thirteen percent (13%). And from next year, God willing, the Government of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will allocate Ten Million United States Dollars (US$10,000,000.00) annually to the Authority to support their geological investigations.
The construction of New Regional and District Offices of the Minerals Commission in Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, and Bole couldn’t have been more timely. With this mine, and the construction of the new mine in the Upper West Region, northern Ghana is ready to become the new face of mining in Ghana, and regulatory agencies must stand ready to live up to the task and the challenge ahead.

“As we commission this mine and pour its first gold, we are fulfilling our commitment to creating a brighter future for the people of Ghana, including Talensi and its environs. It will create jobs, foster local development, and contribute significantly to both the local and national economy. It will bring about a transformative change in this area, providing opportunities for growth and development that will benefit generations to come,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo charged the company to adhere strictly to the country’s mining regulations and also mine within the scope of Ghana’s policies and commitments towards the environment.
While commending the company for its promise to build an airport in the area, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of local participation and execution of developmental projects in the area.
“It will also lead to developments in local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and community facilities. I am informed of the commitment of the Company to construct an airport in Bolgatanga, to aid their mining operations and serve the needs of the people of the Upper East Region,” he said.
“Government is ready to provide all the necessary support to the Company in this project, which will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life for local residents and support broader regional development.”
“As you commence production, Government expects that you will employ the best of mining practices and adhere to all environmental and other regulatory standards for a safe and sustainable mining operation. I am aware that your parent Company, the Shandong Gold Group, has been a global leader in key technologies for gold mining and processing, and I have no doubt that you will replicate these same standards here in Ghana,” he said.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, disclosed some of the measures implemented by the government to facilitate the smooth operations of large-scale mining companies in the northern part of the country and attract investors to that part of the country.
“I am happy to also report that aside from this mine, there is the construction of another large-scale greenfield mine in the Upper West Region by Azumah Resources. And just below the northern belt of the country, Newmont is constructing a new mine in Ahafo North.
“To meet the regulatory needs of these emerging mines, a five-story Regional Office complex for the Minerals Commission, which will be fitted with a laboratory, is currently under construction in Tamale. We have also upgraded the Bolgatanga, Wa, and Bole Offices of the Commission to Regional status, and new Regional Office complexes are being constructed in these areas. These offices will service the emerging large-scale mines in this part of the country, in addition to the regulation of small-scale mining.
Jinapor stated that his Ministry is not only focused on ensuring an upscale in gold production but is also effectively prosecuting the President’s vision of value addition to the mineral resources through the establishment of refineries across mining areas in the country.
“While working to increase production, we continue to pursue the vision of President Akufo-Addo to add value to our mineral resources and translate these volumes of minerals into wealth for the benefit of the Ghanaian people. We have, therefore, constructed and commissioned a four hundred kilogram (400kg) capacity gold refinery to refine the gold we produce, and in the next couple of weeks, the President will cut sod for the commencement of work on a Four Hundred and Fifty Million United States Dollars (US$450,000,000.00) manganese refinery at Nsuta in the Western Region, to be funded by the parent company of Ghana Manganese Company,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, HE Tong Defa, detailed his happiness with the establishment of the mine project and commended President Akufo-Addo for his commitment to the mining industry and determination to deepen the relations between Ghana and China.
He noted that China has been a major trading partner of Ghana and has a huge presence in the Ghanaian mining sector with the aim of employing opportunities and helping develop the sector.
He stated that Cardinal Namdini gold mine which saw over US$1billion dollar investment is yet another testimony to China’s commitment to be Ghana’s foremost strategic partner.
Ghana’s Parliament not likely to ratify lithium and bauxite agreement this year
Chinese group buys Newmont Akyem Mine for US$ 1 billion

Last month, the Denver-based company agreed to sell two Australian assets for up to $475-million. Other assets that remain on the chopping block include the Éléonore, Musselwhite and Porcupine mines and Coffee project, in Canada, as well as the CC&V mine, in the US.
“We believe the proposed Akyem transaction results in the greatest overall value for Newmont shareholders and is the best strategic fit for the mine.
We are confident that Akyem will continue to thrive under new ownership with long-term benefits for local stakeholders and surrounding communities,” Newmont CEO Tom Palmer said in a statement.
Despite the sale, Newmont remains committed to its operations in Ghana, with plans to invest between $950-million and $1.0-billion in the development of the Ahafo North gold mining project in the Ahafo region.
Palmer pointed out that the successful completion of the Akeym sale strengthened Newmont’s confidence in Ghana as a favourable mining jurisdiction. “Newmont will continue to support the growth and development of the region including the development of our Ahafo North project.”
Newmont MD for Africa Rahman Amoadu highlighted that the divestment process adhered to the principles set out by Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo, ensuring that both Ghanaian and international parties had equal opportunities to participate.
“Additionally, we have included the Minerals Income Investment Fund in the process in preparation of their potential investment in Akyem to further Ghanaian interest in the mine,” said Amoadu.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions. As such, Newmont has not adjusted its 2024 guidance, with the deal not expected to significantly impact this year’s outlook.
Under the terms of the agreement, Newmont will receive a cash consideration of $900-million upon closing, with a further $100-million expected to be received upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.
The proceeds from the sale will be used to support Newmont’s capital allocation priorities, including strengthening its balance sheet and returning value to shareholders.
Ghanaian mineworkers decry decline in decent work
Newmont Africa (Ahafo South Mine) has been adjudged the best company in Ghana at the 21st edition of the Ghana Club 100 Awards organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) on Friday (25 October) in Accra.
The mining firm topped a ranking of the best companies in Ghana, beating competition from Goldfields Ghana Ltd and MTN Ghana, that came second and third respectively.
Crowning the night, once again, as the Number One company in the 21st edition of the #2024GC100Awards:
Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd (Ahafo South Mine)! 🎉🎉🎉🎉@Newmont_Africa pic.twitter.com/gQKsyPGowD
— Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (@gipcghana) October 26, 2024
The Ghana Club 100 awards, which began in 1998, aims to promote effective corporate governance among businesses in Ghana’s private sector and thereby serve as a benchmark for corporate excellence.
The event also enables businesses to seek out new opportunities to broaden their supply networks and expand their markets.
The GIPC awards allow businesses to highlight their accomplishments, incentivize them to do more, and motivate others to strive harder to make the list.
This year’s Ghana Club 100 awards was on the theme: “Fostering Domestic Champions: Building Local Capacity.”
Below are the top 10 firms in this year’s edition:
1 Newmont Africa (Ahafo South Mine)
2. GoldFileds Ghana Ltd
3. MTN Ghana
4. Newmont Gold Ridge Ltd (Akyem Mine)
5. GCB Bank PLC
6 Sanda SoftCare FM Manufacturing Ltd
7.Ecobank PLC
8. AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine
9. Unicom Specialties Commodity Ltd (USCL)
10. Sunon Asogli Power Company Ltd


















