Ghana to replace draft mining bill with revised version, sources say
2026-10-10 10:55:34 [Print]
Ghana is expected to replace a draft mining bill currently before Parliament with a revised version that restores a maximum 20-year mining lease term and clarifies provisions that have raised concerns among miners, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Reuters reported last month that the Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, as published by Parliament, would limit new mining leases to 15 years, or the projected life of the mine, whichever is shorter - compared with up to 30 years under current law. It would also grant the minister power to require mining companies to issue the state a special share.
Two senior government officials and a mining executive told Reuters that the revised bill is expected to replace the lease provision with a maximum 20-year term, in line with a policy position outlined by the mines minister in July.
The expected changes follow concerns raised by industry. The Ghana Chamber of Mines said on Thursday that the minister's power to require a mining company to issue the state a special share already exists under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, and is largely being carried over into the draft bill, albeit with tougher penalties for non-compliance.
Reuters reported last month that the Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, as published by Parliament, would limit new mining leases to 15 years, or the projected life of the mine, whichever is shorter - compared with up to 30 years under current law. It would also grant the minister power to require mining companies to issue the state a special share.
Two senior government officials and a mining executive told Reuters that the revised bill is expected to replace the lease provision with a maximum 20-year term, in line with a policy position outlined by the mines minister in July.
The expected changes follow concerns raised by industry. The Ghana Chamber of Mines said on Thursday that the minister's power to require a mining company to issue the state a special share already exists under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, and is largely being carried over into the draft bill, albeit with tougher penalties for non-compliance.
