"Fifty large-scale mining firms face license revocation for regulatory breaches" — Lands Ministry

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced plans to revoke the licenses of several large-scale mining companies found to be in breach of regulatory requirements.

According to the Ministry, the decision follows an ongoing comprehensive review of large-scale mining operations being undertaken by a special committee set up for that purpose.

Acting on the directive of the Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), the committee has named an initial batch of 50 companies cited for violations, including operating without permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water Resources Commission (WRC), despite holding valid leases.

The exercise forms part of government’s broader strategy to clamp down on irregularities within the mining industry and to promote lawful, responsible and sustainable mining practices across the country.

Officials say the review is intended to ensure strict adherence to due process and regulatory protocols at all operational levels, in line with the government’s commitment to sanitizing the sector.

This initiative mirrors a similar audit previously carried out in the small-scale mining subsector, which resulted in the revocation of 278 licenses over various infractions.

The Ministry indicated that more enforcement actions will be taken as necessary as it continues to strengthen regulatory oversight of the mining sector.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith