In Ghana, obtaining a small-scale mining (SSM) license is a methodical process that is mainly regulated by the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). From the first application until the final clearance, this license is only available to Ghanaian citizens.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility Prior to beginning, you must fulfill the following prerequisites:
Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Ghana. Foreigners are not eligible for small-scale mining licenses.
Age: You have to be at least eighteen.
Business Registration: You must register your mining activity with Ghana’s Registrar General’s Department as a limited liability company or sole proprietorship. A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is also required.
Maximum Concession Size: For small-scale mining, a concession of up to 25 acres may be awarded to a person.
Step 2: Compile Necessary Records Assemble the required paperwork for your application, which often consists of:
a filled-out application for an SSM license.
Evidence of Ghanaian nationality (such as a copy of your Ghana Card).
a current Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Your business registration certificate.
a certified surveyor-signed site plan of the proposed mining location.
an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to obtain an Environmental Permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
a Water Resources Commission water use permit.
Step 3: Send in Your Application The District Office of the Minerals Commission (MINCOM) in the region where you plan to mine should receive your completed application form and all supporting documentation. The official beginning point is this decentralized procedure.
⏳ Step 4: Review and Processing of Applications The First-Come, First-Served method is used to process your application after it is submitted. The timeline consists of:
District Office Review: It takes roughly five days for the District Office to examine the application and let you know if there are any mistakes.
Submission to MTD: The District Office sends your application to the Minerals Title Department (MTD) for technical evaluation within ten days of first registration.
If everything goes according to plan, the full process—from submission to license issuance—may take up to 150 days.
Step 5: Agreement, Fee Payment, and Approval The Minister in charge of Mines will approve your proposal if it passes the technical evaluation.
A formal offer and a notice of the fees due will then be sent to you.
The necessary mineral right fees must be paid by the deadline specified in the notice.
You and the Minister will sign a written agreement after payment. Your rights and responsibilities as a licensee are outlined in this agreement.
🟢 Step 6: Acquire Final Clearances and Operating Permit You cannot begin mining just because you have the license. Prior to starting any mining operations, you need to obtain three separate clearances:
The Chief Inspector of Mines’ Operational Permit.
a current EPA Environmental Permit.
a current Water Resources Commission Water Use Permit.
The price of the license A small-scale mining license requires paying a number of fees, including:
Initial Application Fee: Ghanaians must pay GHS 100 to apply for small-scale gold and diamond mining.
Processing Fee: The application processing will cost an extra GHS 250.
According to some estimates, Ghanaians may have to pay a total of GHS 900 for a license. However, according to recent reports from 2024, the annual licensing prices for local businesses have risen to above GHS 50,000 and for sole owners to GHS 25,000. Direct confirmation of the precise and up-to-date fee schedule with the Minerals Commission is essential.
The license is renewable and has a five-year validity duration.
Important Things to Think About and Extra Needs Small-scale mining is absolutely forbidden to foreigners. Serious consequences, including as fines and incarceration, may result from violations.
A small-scale mining license is not available for use in a forest reserve.
A large-scale mining lease, which necessitates a minimum investment of US$10 million in the mining activities, must be applied for by any foreign firm or individual wishing to mine in Ghana.
It is strongly advised that you work with a local legal expert or consulting business to help you navigate the procedure because of the intricacy and recent fee adjustments.
