The Government of Ghana has approved Engineers and Planners Limited (E&P) as the successful bidder for the Damang Gold Mine lease following a competitive tender process.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources made the announcement after receiving the report of the Tender Committee from the Minerals Commission on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the Tender Committee evaluated four bids submitted by the March 31, 2026 deadline. Only two companies — Engineers and Planners Limited and Heath Goldfields Limited — met the mandatory requirements outlined in the tender notice.
These requirements included proof of a wholly Ghanaian-owned company, valid tax clearance, SSNIT and VAT certificates, a valid certificate of incorporation, and payment of the non-refundable application fee of GHS100,000.
The other two bidders, Maripoma Mining Services Ltd and Vortex Resources Mining Group, were disqualified for failing to submit the required documents.
After the initial screening, the committee conducted a detailed technical and financial evaluation. Heath Goldfields Limited failed to achieve the minimum technical score of 80 percent, so its financial proposal was not considered.
Engineers and Planners Limited, however, met all technical and financial criteria. The company demonstrated access to financing of USD 505 million from ABSA Bank and Stanbic Bank, surpassing the USD 500 million minimum threshold for project development.
E&P achieved the highest combined weighted technical and financial score of 93.15 percent. The Tender Committee noted that the firm possesses relevant experience and knowledge of the Damang Mine’s operations, infrastructure, and geology. It also submitted proposals aimed at extending the life of the mine beyond ten years.
In line with Regulations 262(1)(b) and 263 of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing Regulations), 2012 (LI 2176), the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources approved the committee’s recommendation and directed the Minerals Commission to take the necessary regulatory steps to implement the decision.
The Damang Mine, located in the Western Region, has been operated by Gold Fields Ghana Limited since 1993. Gold Fields currently holds a 90 percent stake, with the Government of Ghana retaining a 10 percent free carried interest under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006. The mine is scheduled to revert fully to government control on April 18, 2026.
The approval of Engineers and Planners Limited — a wholly Ghanaian-owned mining and construction contracting firm with significant experience in contract mining at both Tarkwa and Damang for Gold Fields — is expected to inject renewed investment and local expertise into the asset.
The Ministry commended the Minerals Commission and members of the Tender Committee for their thorough work and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the Damang Mine continues to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economy through enhanced local participation in the mining sector.