Gov’t, Goldfields Hold Crucial Talks Today on Damang Mine Transition
Government is set to engage top-level executives of Goldfields today, April 22, 2025, for high-level discussions aimed at ensuring a smooth transition of the Damang Mine located in Ghana’s Western Region.
Sources close to the matter tell Joy Business that the meeting will feature senior officials from Goldfields’ Group Head Office in South Africa, with the talks expected to focus primarily on a potential extension of the company’s operational control over the mine prior to a full handover to the state.
The government is reportedly weighing the possibility of allowing Goldfields additional time to oversee the mine’s operations to forestall any disruptions that may arise from a rushed transition. According to persons familiar with the ongoing deliberations, Goldfields has requested an extension to facilitate a well-coordinated exit, which government is likely to approve, subject to certain conditions.
Ahead of today’s meeting, the government has asked that Goldfields’ equipment remains operational at the Damang Mine, while workers have been directed to stay on-site and continue their duties.
The development follows an announcement last week by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, that government would be assuming full ownership of the Damang Mine after the Minerals Commission declined to renew Goldfields’ operational license.
However, today’s meeting could potentially alter the transition timeline, with sources indicating a possible extension of up to a year for Goldfields to continue managing the mine before full transfer of control to the state.
Industry stakeholders and observers are closely monitoring the outcome of the discussions, which are expected to have significant implications for the local economy and Ghana’s broader mining landscape.
