Mining giant Gold Fields has announced it will shut down its Damang gold mine in Ghana’s Western Region, placing over 1,400 jobs at risk after the government refused to renew the mine’s lease.
The current mining lease is set to expire on 18 April 2025, and the government’s decision means the company must bring operations to a complete halt. Gold Fields says it is now preparing to safely decommission the site and support affected workers.
Damang produced about 135,000 ounces of gold in 2024, representing roughly 6% of the company’s global output. Although mining stopped last year, the company continued processing stockpiled ore while awaiting approval to extend its operations.
In a statement, the company expressed disappointment but said it would comply fully with the government’s directive. “We are focused on ensuring the safe closure of the mine and providing support to our employees and communities,” Gold Fields noted.
The closure will heavily impact local employment and supply chains, raising concerns about the socio-economic fallout in surrounding communities.
Gold Fields is now shifting focus to other global assets, including new operations in Chile and Canada. Its Tarkwa mine, Ghana’s largest open-pit gold operation, remains unaffected.
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