A pivotal document from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, dated March 12, 2024 and sighted by The Chronicle, confirms that Engineers and Planners (E&P), a wholly Ghanaian-owned mining company, formally engaged the Ministry to explore the acquisition of the Damang Gold Mine.
The company received a “no objection” letter, authorising it to enter negotiations with Gold Fields Limited, clarifying claims that E&P’s access to the mine was politically influenced or a recent development.
The letter, issued in response to E&P’s application dated March 8, 2024 under Section 100(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), explicitly allowed E&P to negotiate with Gold Fields, but stressed that any final agreement would require government approval.
“No rights shall pass under such an agreement without the express consent of the Government of Ghana,” the Ministry’s letter stated, signed by Chief Director, Professor Patrick K. Agbesinyale.
The Minerals Commission had advised the Ministry that E&P had significant experience in mining, including contract operations at Damang, making it a qualified party to pursue negotiations.
Records indicate that E&P began positioning itself for the Damang asset as early as 2022, while operating as a contractor at the mine.
This early involvement enabled the company to build expertise in the mine’s infrastructure, geology and operations – giving it a strategic advantage in any future acquisition.
In September 2023, Gold Fields formally announced plans to wind down active pit mining at Damang.
A Notice of Demobilisation, dated September 4, 2023 directed E&P to withdraw its equipment by December 2023.
Instead, E&P responded on September 25, 2023 formally expressing interest in acquiring the Damang Mine – shifting from contractor to prospective owner.
Gold Fields, however, signalled on September 29, 2023 that it was still reviewing options, creating uncertainty about the mine’s future.
Formal Government Engagement in 2024
Recognising that transfers of mining rights require ministerial approval, E&P applied for a no-objection letter from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The 12 March, 2024 letter authorised negotiations, but reiterated that government consent is mandatory for any transfer of ownership or rights.
By November 2025, Gold Fields formally acknowledged E&P’s operational expertise in a “Checklist of Recommendations for the Transition and Future Operations of the Damang Mine”, highlighting the company’s familiarity with the site and recommending its inclusion in the transition process.
In December 2025, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, further recognised E&P’s role in the transition team, formalising the company as a key stakeholder in negotiations.
Despite E&P’s repeated efforts in December 2025 and January 2026 to schedule formal meetings with Gold Fields, responses remained delayed.
This occurred as the mine’s 30-year lease expired in 2025, prompting the government to grant a one-year extension to facilitate a smooth transition.
Gold Fields has indicated it will hand over Damang to the government on 18 April, 2026 setting a clear deadline for decisions regarding ownership and operational control.
Process Years in the Making
The evidence shows that E&P’s pursuit of the Damang Mine was long-term and structured, beginning at least in 2022, formalised through ministerial approval in 2024, and reinforced by operational experience and regulatory engagement.
The March 2024 no-objection letter remains a central milestone, legitimising negotiations while ensuring government oversight, protecting national interests, and providing clarity in the sector.
The post Government Approved Damang Mine Sale Talks For E&P In 2024 …Official Document Reveals appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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