The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Ghana has taken a significant step towards enforcing environmental regulations in the country's mining sector. A pre-closure notice has been served on Cardinal Namdini Mining, a Chinese-owned gold mining company, for allegedly failing to report a tailings pipeline spill. This action is part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of Ghana's mining industry.
According to EPA Deputy Chief Executive for Operations, Michael Ayamga, the authority is shifting its approach from periodic inspections to continuous monitoring and enforcement across the sector. This move aims to ensure that mining companies adhere to environmental regulations and report incidents promptly. The EPA also shut down another Chinese-owned firm, Earl International Group, last week due to a legacy compliance issue related to illegal gold mining activity.
The EPA's actions are part of Ghana's efforts to increase revenue and strengthen oversight of its mining sector. The government has raised royalties, expanded local-content requirements, and is advancing new mining legislation aimed at boosting state oversight and Ghanaian ownership. These measures are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and environment.
Cardinal Namdini Mining, owned by China's Shandong Gold, did not respond to requests for comment on the notice served by the EPA. However, a spokesperson for Earl International Group stated that the company resolved the EPA's concerns and was cleared to resume operations on Monday, following an environmental permit signed by the regulator's chief executive on 28 September.
The EPA is also reviewing findings from a recent inspection of Gold Fields' Tarkwa gold operation in western Ghana. According to Ayamga, the management team received the inspection report, and the EPA is determining whether further engagement with the company is required. Gold Fields has held ISO 14001 environmental certification for 23 years and International Cyanide Management Code certification for 18 years.
AngloGold Ashanti's Iduapriem operation was fined last year for environmental breaches, though specific details were not provided. The company confirmed that Iduapriem recorded one reportable environmental incident in 2025, on 17 February, when process water and solids were released through a tear in the liner of the Beposo tailings storage facility. Gold processing was suspended immediately, and both the EPA and the Minerals Commission were notified.
The EPA's enforcement push is aimed at ensuring that mining companies operate responsibly and in compliance with environmental regulations. With the country's mining lease set to expire in 2027, Gold Fields is working to secure the long-term future of its Tarkwa operation. The company's efforts to secure certification and comply with regulations demonstrate its commitment to responsible mining practices.
Key points
- The EPA is moving away from one-off inspections towards continuous monitoring and enforcement across the sector.
- Ghana's government is strengthening oversight of its mining sector and increasing revenue through raised royalties and new mining legislation.
- The EPA has served a pre-closure notice on Cardinal Namdini Mining and shut down Earl International Group for environmental breaches and unreported accidents.
