GHANA is expected to replace its draft mining bill with a revised version restoring a maximum 20-year mining lease and clarifying provisions that have unsettled the industry, Reuters reported, citing three people familiar with the matter.
The Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, currently before Parliament would cap new mining leases at 15 years, or the projected life of the mine if shorter. That compares with leases of up to 30 years under existing law.
Two senior government officials and a mining executive told Reuters the revised bill was expected to raise the maximum term to 20 years, matching the policy position set out by Mines Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah in July.
“There was a mistake with the document that eventually went to Parliament and that will be corrected,” a mines ministry official said.
The sources did not say when the revised bill would be introduced.
The changes follow concerns from mining companies over the draft legislation.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines said the proposed power allowing the minister to require a company to issue the state a special share already exists under the 2006 mining law, although the new bill proposes tougher penalties for non-compliance.
Chamber CEO Ken Ashigbey said discussions with the authorities had produced “good compromise positions”, including the proposed 20-year lease term.
Remaining concerns would be raised with Parliament.