Gold Fields Ordered to Cease Operations at Damang as Lease Extension Request Is Rejected
Gold Fields Limited has announced that its request to extend the Damang Main Mining Lease has been rejected by the Minerals Commission of Ghana.
The mining company submitted its application for the lease extension in December 2024, but was officially notified that the request had not been approved. Following this, the government directed Gold Fields to halt operations and vacate the Damang lease area by April 18, 2025, upon the lease’s expiration.
In a statement issued on April 14, 2025, Gold Fields expressed its disappointment and revealed that it had engaged extensively with relevant authorities to demonstrate that its application had met all the statutory requirements necessary for an extension.
“Gold Fields is therefore preparing to safely and responsibly cease operations and ensure the safety and security of our people and high-risk operations,” the statement read. “The Company continues to seek ongoing engagement with the Government to secure the best outcome for all stakeholders.”
The company also clarified that the developments at Damang will not affect operations at its Tarkwa site, which remain fully operational.
Gold Fields assured stakeholders that it would provide updates on any significant changes or progress regarding the situation.
