Gold Fields, a multinational mining company, has revealed that 74% of the value generated by its Tarkwa mine in Ghana stays within the country. The company made this statement in response to growing public debate over the renewal of its mining leases.
Gold Fields Defends Tarkwa Mine Operations
Gold Fields Ghana has operated the Tarkwa mine for over three decades and has maintained regular engagement with traditional authorities and community representatives through various structures, including the Tarkwa Mine Community Consultative Committee, community forums, and other governance platforms. The company says these platforms have allowed issues relating to mining operations, environmental management, rehabilitation, community investment, and the lease renewal process to be discussed.
The company pointed to its investments in community development and payments to the Government through taxes and royalties. Gold Fields said it has operated the Tarkwa mine for more than three decades and has maintained regular engagement with traditional authorities and community representatives through structures including the Tarkwa Mine Community Consultative Committee, community forums and other governance platforms.
Tax Contributions and Community Investments
Gold Fields said approximately 74 cents of every dollar generated by the Tarkwa mine remains in Ghana through taxes, royalties, Government dividends from its 10% free-carried equity, employee salaries and benefits, procurement from local businesses, and investment in host communities. In 2025 alone, the company paid about GH¢5.8 billion to the Government in corporate taxes, royalties, dividends, and other statutory payments. It also spent about GH¢8.8 billion on local procurement across Ghana, including GH¢6.5 billion with suppliers in host communities.
The company said its community investment is delivered mainly through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, with projects selected by community representatives and traditional authorities. The Foundation has invested more than US$110 million in host communities, covering infrastructure, education, healthcare, water and sanitation, agriculture, enterprise development, and environmental conservation.
Local Employment and Environmental Management
Gold Fields highlighted its local employment record, stating that about 70% of workers at the Tarkwa mine come from host communities while 99% of its workforce is Ghanaian. On environmental management, the company said it has invested about US$46 million in rehabilitation since 2016, with annual spending averaging US$4.2 million. It said more than 818,000 trees have been planted since 1998, while over 33,000 trees are currently being raised in its nursery.
Rehabilitation is carried out alongside mining activities and includes reforestation, biodiversity restoration, and the creation of agricultural land for community use. Gold Fields said it submitted its application to renew the Tarkwa mining leases in November 2025 and presented its lease renewal proposal to the Government in July 2026. It remains engaged in the process while awaiting feedback from the relevant authorities.
Lease Renewal Proposal
The company maintained that its proposal seeks to deepen local participation, expand local procurement, strengthen community benefits, support skills development, and increase long-term socio-economic value creation. While it supports Ghana's ambition to maximise benefits from its mineral resources, Gold Fields said this should be pursued in a manner that protects jobs, sustains investor confidence, supports local businesses, and ensures responsible mining continues to deliver long-term value for Ghana and its people.
The Tarkwa mine has been a significant contributor to Ghana's economy, and the renewal of its mining leases will be closely watched by the public and the Government. The company's commitment to community investment and environmental management has been a key aspect of its operations, and it remains to be seen how the Government will respond to its lease renewal proposal.
Source: Joy Online
