The controversy began when the government compulsorily acquired lands for the mining project, destroying properties in December 2023 and leaving affected farmers with little opportunity to retrieve their belongings or salvage their investments. The farmers had insisted on their right to negotiate fair and adequate compensation with Newmont under Section 73 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). However, following disagreements, Newmont petitioned the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for intervention, leading to the government acquiring selected lands under the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
A Ministerial Committee was established to facilitate discussions and resolve compensation disagreements. The committee, involving traditional authorities, state institutions, lawyers for the farmers, and Newmont representatives, facilitated a joint inspection and documentation of affected crops and structures. The exercise identified eligible properties for compensation, but the farmers alleged that Newmont did not make itself available for subsequent compensation negotiations, leading to a second compulsory acquisition under E.I. 273 in July 2024.
The Lands Commission's Valuation Technical Committee approved compensation amounts for affected lands, crops, and structures in April 2026. However, the commission later informed the farmers that Newmont had petitioned against compensation for structures belonging to 21 members of the association, claiming they were speculative. The farmers rejected this argument, insisting that the government acquired the lands under the Land Act, 2020, and that compensation should be determined accordingly.
The Concerned Farmers Association has rejected Newmont's claim that the structures were speculative, arguing that joint inspection records established that the structures existed and were documented during the 2024 enumeration exercise. The association maintained that the structures were used for residential, farming, and other farming-related activities and formed an essential part of the affected families' livelihoods.
Beyond the dispute over structures affected by E.I. 273, the association raised concerns about farmers whose lands and properties were acquired under E.I. 356 of 2023. These affected members have not received any compensation since the government took possession of their lands in December 2023, leaving them in hardship. The association disclosed that some members had died while others had fallen seriously ill during the waiting period.
The Concerned Farmers Association has urged the Lands Commission to exercise its mandate independently and resolve the outstanding issues, paying the affected farmers without further delay. The association stressed that the outstanding payments represented more than financial claims, directly affecting their access to food, healthcare, shelter, and other essential needs.
Key points
- The dispute involves over 21 farmers whose structures Newmont claims are speculative.
- The Lands Commission approved compensation amounts for affected lands, crops, and structures in April 2026.
- The Concerned Farmers Association urges the Lands Commission to resolve the outstanding issues and pay the affected farmers without further delay.
