Gov’t directs Newmont, AngloGold, Zijin to shift mining ops to local firms by December – Sources

The Minerals Commission of Ghana has issued a firm directive to major international mining companies, including Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, and Chinese-owned Zijin Mining Group, requiring them to transition their mining operations to local contractors by December 2026 or face possible sanctions. This development was confirmed by five sources with direct knowledge of the matter, as well as supporting documents reviewed by Reuters.

Currently, the three companies continue to operate their mines using their own workforce, making them the only major firms yet to adopt contract mining. This follows sweeping regulatory changes introduced in January 2025, when Ghana—Africa’s leading gold producer—revised its local ownership requirements for the mining sector. Under the updated policy, all mining companies are required to outsource their operations to contractors.

The new regulations stipulate that surface mining activities must be carried out exclusively by fully Ghanaian-owned companies. Meanwhile, underground mining operations must be handled by firms with at least 50% Ghanaian ownership. These rules are part of broader efforts to increase local participation in the mining value chain and ensure that more economic benefits remain within the country.

Aside from Newmont, Zijin, and AngloGold Ashanti’s smaller Iduapriem mine, nearly all large-scale mining companies in Ghana have already transitioned to contract mining, according to two government officials and three mining industry executives. This shift reflects a wider trend across Africa, where governments are tightening mining regulations to maximize revenues amid rising global prices for minerals and metals.

For instance, Mali recently resolved a nearly two-year dispute with Barrick Gold in November over the implementation of its revised mining code, underscoring the growing push for stricter control over natural resources on the continent.

The Minerals Commission formally communicated its directive to the companies through separate letters sent in October and January, setting a clear deadline of December 2026 for full compliance. The companies had individually requested extensions to allow more time for the transition. However, the regulator warned in its correspondence that failure to meet the deadline could result in sanctions.

Zijin’s Ghanaian subsidiary has stated that it has been actively engaging with the Minerals Commission since November 2025. The company noted that it is working toward compliance by preparing tenders and establishing technical frameworks necessary for the shift to contract mining. It also highlighted the introduction of new technologies that require benchmarking before a full-scale tender process can be implemented.

Meanwhile, Newmont and AngloGold Ashanti have not immediately responded to requests for comment on the directive.

The issue of compliance was further discussed during recent meetings in Accra between Newmont’s global CEO, Natascha Viljoen, and officials from the Minerals Commission. During these discussions, Newmont renewed its request for an extension.

The company, which operates the Ahafo North and South gold mines, had proposed a new compliance deadline of 2027. It cited additional regulatory and governance obligations associated with its status as a publicly listed company as the reason for the delay, according to a government official.

However, the Minerals Commission rejected this request, pointing out that other listed mining companies, including Gold Fields, have already complied with the new regulations.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines did not provide an official response, though a source within the organization indicated that discussions with the regulator are ongoing. The source suggested that while contract mining is a viable approach, it should ideally be driven by commercial considerations.

“It is a good option, but we think it should be commercially driven,” the source said. “If a company can operate more efficiently on its own, it raises the question of why it should be required to outsource.”

Government officials, however, maintain that the policy is designed to strengthen the capacity of local mining service providers and retain more value within the Ghanaian economy. They pointed to the growth of indigenous firms such as Rocksure International and Engineers & Planners as evidence that local companies are increasingly capable of handling large-scale mining operations.

According to one official, these local firms are well-positioned to take on expanded roles in contract mining, with the Minerals Commission prepared to provide support to ensure successful execution.

The consequences for non-compliance could be severe. A second government official warned that companies failing to meet the deadline would initially face substantial financial penalties. Continued non-compliance, however, could ultimately lead to the suspension or shutdown of mining operations.