Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has upheld the revocation of mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited. The decision comes after a review process that began in April 2026, following the initial revocation of the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful mining leases.
Adamus Resources Leases Revoked Over Multiple Violations
The Minerals Commission's initial investigations found sustained and material breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its subsidiary legislations. The company was found to have unauthorisedly assigned mineral rights to foreign nationals for independent mining operations without the prior written approval of the Minister.
The Minerals Commission also established that Adamus Resources Limited had mined outside demarcated and permitted areas without an approved Operating Permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines. Furthermore, the company failed to obtain requisite environmental and forestry approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority before operations commenced in the assigned areas.
Adamus Fails to Cooperate with Review Committee
The Interim Management Committee (IMC) tasked with overseeing the mine found that Adamus deliberately concealed information and provided misleading data. The review committee also uncovered additional defaults, including US$2.56 million in unpaid mineral rights fees, GHS 86.8 million in unpaid royalties, and GHS 290.5 million in tax arrears.
The company was also found to have transferred US$224 million to related parties abroad between 2020 and 2024. Environmental bonds remain only partially fulfilled.
Minister Embarks on Working Visit to Mine Site
Following the decision, Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah embarked on a working visit to the mine site to engage key stakeholders, including workers of the mine. During the visit, the Minister assured that the Minerals Commission will ensure uninterrupted operations until a further decision by government has been announced.
The Minister has also indicated his intention to secure an order that Adamus fully and promptly fulfils its royalty, tax, and other financial liabilities to the Government of Ghana. The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing review process, and its implications for the mining industry in Ghana remain to be seen.
What Happens Next for Adamus Resources Limited?
The revocation of Adamus Resources Limited's mining leases is a significant setback for the company, which has faced numerous allegations of non-compliance with Ghana's mining laws. The Minister's decision to uphold the revocation and his intention to secure an order for Adamus to fulfill its financial liabilities to the Government of Ghana suggests a commitment to ensuring that mining companies operate within the law.
The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the mining industry in Ghana, and it remains to be seen how Adamus Resources Limited will respond to the Minister's decision.
Source: Joy Online
