Accra — Ghana is expected to replace a draft mining bill submitted to Parliament with a revised version that restores a maximum mining lease term of 20 years and clarifies provisions that have raised concerns among mining companies, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The proposed changes follow industry concerns over provisions in the Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, which could affect investment planning and operating arrangements in one of Africa’s major gold-producing countries.

Reuters reported last month that the draft legislation published by Parliament would limit new mining leases to 15 years or the projected life of a mine, whichever was shorter. This would represent a reduction from the maximum 30-year lease term permitted under Ghana’s existing law.

However, two senior government officials and a mining executive told Reuters that the revised bill is expected to provide for a maximum lease term of 20 years, consistent with a policy position outlined by the mines minister in July.

A mines ministry official said the discrepancy in the parliamentary document would be corrected.

“There was a mistake with the document that eventually went to Parliament and that will be corrected,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly.

The sources did not specify when the revised legislation would be reintroduced.

Industry Raises Concerns Over Mining Provisions

The expected revisions follow discussions between industry representatives and government authorities over provisions in the draft legislation.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines said on Thursday that the proposed authority for the minister to require mining companies to issue the state a special share was already contained in the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006.

According to the chamber, the provision is largely being carried over into the new bill, although the draft introduces tougher penalties for non-compliance.

Ken Ashigbey, chief executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, said discussions with the authorities had produced “good compromise positions”, including the proposed 20-year lease term.

He added that outstanding concerns would be addressed through further engagement with Parliament.

The mines ministry and the Minerals Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Source: Reuters

Reporting: Christian Akorlie &Maxwell Akalaare Adombila

Editing: Mark Potter