ACCRA, July 28 – Gold Fields has submitted a lease renewal proposal to the Ghanaian government for its Tarkwa gold mine as the South African miner looks to secure the long-term future of one of its largest operations.
The lease for the Tarkwa mine, which produced about 427,000 ounces of gold in 2025, is due to expire in 2027. Gold Fields said it first submitted a formal renewal application in November 2025 and is now awaiting a decision from the government.
The application comes months after the company lost control of its smaller Damang mine. In April, Ghana declined to renew the mine’s lease and later awarded the asset to local contractor Engineers & Planners (E&P), which has since started production.
Meanwhile, some civil society groups and traditional leaders have urged the government to hand the Tarkwa mine to local operators as part of ongoing reforms aimed at increasing state revenue. However, government officials have repeatedly said they remain committed to renewing the lease.
Gold Fields said its latest proposal includes plans to increase local participation, create more opportunities for community businesses and suppliers, and deliver greater long-term economic benefits from the mine.
The company also said its financial capacity, technical expertise and ability to invest in expanding the mine make it well placed to continue operating Tarkwa. According to Gold Fields, extending its role at the mine would help protect jobs, support local suppliers and maintain revenue for the Ghanaian government.
Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is yet to respond.
