Ghana has ordered major mining companies Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, and Zijin Mining to transfer their mining operations to local contractors by December 2026, according to regulatory documents and sources familiar with the matter.

The directive comes from Ghana’s mining regulator and is part of a broader local content reform introduced in 2025, aimed at increasing domestic participation in the mining sector and retaining more value within the country.

Under the new rules, surface mining must be handled by fully Ghanaian-owned companies, while underground mining requires at least 50% local ownership. Foreign operators are expected to shift from direct mine operations to contract mining models.

The three companies are among the last major operators still directly running their mines in Ghana, while most other mining firms have already adjusted to the new framework.

Authorities have warned that non-compliance could result in sanctions, including fines or potential shutdowns of operations. Some companies reportedly requested deadline extensions, but these were rejected by the authorities.

In summary, this is not a rumor but a confirmed regulatory decision reflecting Ghana’s strategy to increase local control over its mining sector and strengthen domestic participation in resource exploitation.