Government temporarily suspends contract mining directive

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has temporarily suspended Government’s directive requiring three major mining companies — Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti and Zijin — to transition from owner mining to contract mining by December 2026.

The decision followed a high-level meeting between the Ministry and the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union, which had raised concerns over the potential impact of the directive on workers and the mining industry.

The Ministry has agreed to set up a committee to review the current local content policy and incorporate concerns raised by the Union and its members.

“The meeting also underscored the need to work together to enhance the fortunes of Ghana’s mining industry,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The temporary suspension comes amid growing discussions within the mining sector over the implementation of contract mining requirements by the Minerals Commission.