Lands Ministry to revoke 50 large-scale mining licences over regulatory breaches

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced plans to revoke the licences of 50 large-scale mining companies following a review that uncovered widespread regulatory violations, signaling a tightening of oversight in the sector.

The decision comes after an ongoing audit of large-scale mining operations by a special committee set up by the Ministry. The review found companies operating with mining leases but lacking valid permits from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) or the Water Resources Commission (WRC), among other infractions.

Acting on the directive of the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the committee has released the first list of affected firms, the Ministry said in a statement.

The planned revocations are part of the government’s broader effort to curb illegal practices and enforce compliance across the mining value chain, with authorities emphasizing the need for safer, more responsible, and environmentally sustainable operations.

The large-scale review mirrors an earlier exercise in the small-scale mining segment. Earlier this year, the Ministry revoked 278 small-scale mining licences over similar breaches, as part of what it described as a comprehensive clean-up of the industry.

The Ministry added that further audits and enforcement actions would continue as it steps up regulatory oversight of the sector.