NRGI calls for release of Damang mining deal assessment report

The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) has called for the immediate release of the full assessment report for the Damang mining lease. This lease was approved for Engineers and Planners (E&P) Limited. NRGI Country Manager Patrick Stephenson stressed that openness is crucial for maintaining public trust in Ghana’s mining sector.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources quickly approved the lease. This fast approval, reportedly within two hours of committee recommendations, raised questions. NRGI wants to know if enough checks were done.

Mr. Stephenson said the public needs access to the data. This will help citizens understand if the process was fair. Ghana's mineral licensing has many steps, including technical reviews and ministerial approval. Without assessment reports, it is hard to know how decisions are made. This creates a ‘black box’ in the process.

E&P won the bid against three other companies. The Tender Committee report stated E&P’s proposal was the only one that fully met the financial requirement of USD 500 million, which is about GHS5.9 billion. E&P also showed strong technical knowledge and a plan to operate the mine for at least 10 more years.

NRGI believes transparency builds investor confidence. It also ensures Ghana gets the most value from its resources. While not questioning the outcome directly, NRGI says the process and the data behind it are important for credibility.