Gold Fields Ghana has mounted a robust defence of its bid to renew the mining leases for its flagship Tarkwa Mine, insisting that recent concerns raised by the Apinto Divisional Council do not reflect the company’s decades-long relationship with traditional authorities, host communities and the Government of Ghana.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the mining company said it remains committed to responsible mining, transparent engagement and shared value creation, while reaffirming that it would continue to engage all stakeholders as the lease renewal process progresses through the appropriate government channels.
The statement comes amid growing public debate over the future of the Tarkwa Mine, following reports that the Apinto Divisional Council had taken a position on the renewal of the mine’s leases.
Gold Fields stressed that for more than 30 years it had maintained regular consultations with traditional authorities and community representatives through established platforms, including the Tarkwa Mine Community Consultative Committee and other governance structures where issues relating to mining operations, environmental management, rehabilitation and lease renewal have consistently been discussed.
The company argued that the Tarkwa Mine continues to make a significant contribution to Ghana’s economy, stating that approximately 74 cents of every dollar generated by the operation remains in the country through taxes, royalties, dividends, salaries, local procurement and investments in host communities.
According to the company, it paid about GH¢5.8 billion to the Government of Ghana in 2025 through corporate taxes, royalties, dividends and other statutory payments. It also spent approximately GH¢8.8 billion on local procurement during the same period, including GH¢6.5 billion with suppliers from host communities.
Gold Fields further highlighted the role of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation in driving community development, noting that the Foundation has invested more than US$110 million in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water and sanitation, agriculture, enterprise development and environmental conservation projects across its host communities.
Among the flagship projects cited were the 33-kilometre Tarkwa-Damang asphalt road, the Tarkwa and Abosso Sports Stadium, the construction of more than 52 schools, scholarship programmes, Artificial Intelligence SmartLab facilities, skills development initiatives and numerous healthcare and water infrastructure projects.
The company also pointed to its employment record, stating that about 70 percent of workers at the Tarkwa Mine are drawn from host communities, while 99 percent of its workforce is Ghanaian.
On environmental management, Gold Fields said it has invested approximately US$46 million in progressive land rehabilitation since 2016, with annual rehabilitation expenditure averaging US$4.2 million.
The company said more than 818,000 trees have been planted since 1998, while over 33,000 seedlings are currently being raised in its nursery as part of ongoing reforestation efforts.
Gold Fields added that its environmental management systems continue to meet international standards, noting that the Tarkwa Mine has maintained ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification for 23 years and International Cyanide Management Code certification for 18 years.
Addressing the lease renewal process, the company disclosed that it submitted its application for renewal in November 2025 and presented a detailed proposal to the Government in July 2026. It said it was currently awaiting feedback from the relevant state authorities while continuing stakeholder engagement.
The company reiterated that under Ghanaian law, mineral resources belong to the State and mining lease renewals are determined by the Government, adding that it respects the country’s legal and regulatory framework.
While details of its proposal remain under discussion, Gold Fields said the plan is intended to expand local procurement, deepen community participation, strengthen skills development and create greater long-term socio-economic value.
The company also argued that its continued stewardship of the Tarkwa Mine would provide the financial strength, technical expertise and operational experience required to sustain the mine, extend its lifespan, protect thousands of jobs and maintain long-term contributions to Ghana’s economy.
It acknowledged Ghana’s ambition to increase local participation in the mining industry, but maintained that such objectives should be pursued in a manner that preserves investor confidence, upholds the rule of law and reinforces Ghana’s reputation as a stable destination for international investment.
Gold Fields disclosed that it recently met with the Apinto Divisional Council and pledged to continue engaging the traditional authorities constructively over issues relating to the lease renewal process.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to Ghana, the people of Tarkwa and the communities that have hosted its operations for more than three decades, expressing confidence that continued dialogue would support a mutually beneficial outcome.
