Ghana is expected to replace its draft Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, with a revised version restoring a maximum 20 year mining lease term and clarifying provisions that have raised concerns among industry operators, according to three people familiar with the matter.
The draft bill submitted to Parliament proposed limiting new mining leases to 15 years or the projected lifespan of a mine, whichever is shorter. Current legislation allows leases of up to 30 years.
Two senior government officials and a mining executive told Reuters that the revised proposal would restore the 20 year limit previously outlined by the mines minister. A ministry official said an error in the document submitted to Parliament would be corrected, although no date has been given for the revised bill’s reintroduction.
The proposed legislation also gives the mines minister powers to require mining companies to issue a special share to the state. However, the Ghana Chamber of Mines said similar powers already exist under the Minerals and Mining Act of 2006, although the new bill proposes tougher penalties for non compliance.
Ken Ashigbey, chief executive of the chamber, said discussions with government authorities had produced compromise proposals, including the 20 year lease term. He added that outstanding concerns would be addressed with Parliament.
The mines ministry and the Minerals Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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