The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has officially approved the grant of the Damang Mining Lease to Engineers and Planners Ltd, following a competitive tender process that saw four companies submit bids for one of Ghana's most significant mining assets.

In a press release issued on April 7, 2026, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, confirmed that he had upheld the recommendation of the Tender Committee established by the Minerals Commission under Regulation 261 of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176).

"Pursuant to Regulations 262(1)(b) and 263 of LI 2176, the Commission has recommended that the Damang Mining Lease be granted to Engineers and Planners Ltd, determined by the Tender Committee as the successful tenderer," the statement read.

"This recommendation has been approved by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, with a further directive to the Commission to take all the requisite regulatory steps to give effect to the approval."

Four tenders received, two disqualified immediately

According to the Ministry, a total of four tenders were received by the 16:00 GMT deadline on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, which also served as the announced tender opening day. The four companies were Vortex Resources Mining Group, Engineers and Planners Ltd, Heath Goldfields Ltd, and Maripoma Mining Services Ltd.

All tenders were considered based on guidelines issued by the Minister in accordance with Regulation 258(4) of LI 2176. The evaluation process followed a strict two-phase structure.

In the first phase, tenders were examined against mandatory requirements set out in the Notice, including proof of a wholly owned Ghanaian registered company with registration documents indicating current directors, shareholdings and beneficial ownership; valid tax clearance certificate; valid SSNIT clearance certificate; valid VAT clearance certificate; valid certificate of incorporation; and payment of an application fee of GHS 100,000.

Following verification, only Engineers and Planners Ltd and Heath Goldfields Ltd met the mandatory requirements. Maripoma Mining Services Ltd and Vortex Resources Mining Group were disqualified as non-responsive for failing to submit the required documents.

Technical evaluation eliminates final competitor

Pursuant to Regulation 260(7) of LI 2176, the two responsive tenders were submitted to the Tender Committee for technical and financial evaluation. Following the technical assessment, Heath Goldfields Ltd failed to achieve the minimum qualifying score of 80 per cent, and its financial proposal was therefore not evaluated.

"According to the Tender Committee, E&P's bid satisfied all mandatory requirements set out in the Notice and provided documentary evidence of access to financing, meeting the USD 500 million minimum threshold. The tender documentation indicates that the Company possesses experience and knowledge relevant to the operations, infrastructure, and geology of the Damang Mine and submitted proposals for the development of same, including measures intended to extend the life of mine beyond ten years," the Ministry stated.

"On the basis of the applicable evaluation criteria and scoring, the tender submitted by Engineers and Planners Ltd attained the highest evaluated score. In summary, the Company demonstrated the highest capability to operate the Damang mine, substantiated by their submission of the most viable tender."

Next steps

The Ministry commended the Minerals Commission, particularly the members of the Tender Committee, for their dedication to the critical national assignment.

"The Ministry reiterates Government's commitment to the Damang Mine's continued contribution to Ghana's economy," the statement added.

The Minerals Commission has been directed to take all necessary regulatory steps to give effect to the approval.

See the statement below;