Gold Fields Ghana has highlighted more than US$110 million in community investment and billions of cedis in taxes and local procurement as it argues for the renewal of its Tarkwa mining leases.
The mining company says its record demonstrates a long term commitment to responsible mining and shared economic value, even as debate grows over the future ownership and operation of the mine.
"Our proposal is forward looking and seeks to enhance investment in Tarkwa and support greater value sharing with Government, host communities, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders," the company said.
Investment extends beyond the mine
According to Gold Fields, community projects have been financed largely through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, with traditional authorities and community representatives helping determine how funds are allocated.
The company said the Foundation has invested more than US$110 million in schools, healthcare, water systems, agriculture, enterprise development and environmental conservation.
Among the flagship projects are the 33 kilometre Tarkwa to Damang asphalt road, the Tarkwa and Abosso Sports Stadium, more than 52 schools, scholarship programmes and an Artificial Intelligence SmartLab.
Gold Fields also said about 70 percent of employees at the Tarkwa mine come from host communities, while 99 percent of its workforce is Ghanaian.
Environmental record and future plans
The company said environmental rehabilitation remains a central part of its mining operations.
Since 2016, it has invested approximately US$46 million in land rehabilitation, with annual spending averaging US$4.2 million. More than 818,000 trees have been planted since 1998, while over 33,000 seedlings are currently being raised in its nursery.
Gold Fields added that the Tarkwa mine has maintained ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification for 23 years and International Cyanide Management Code certification for 18 years.
Looking ahead, the company argued that continuing under Gold Fields' operatorship would provide the financial strength, technical expertise and investment needed to extend the mine's lifespan while protecting jobs and expanding opportunities for Ghanaian suppliers.
It also pointed to its experience supporting the transition of the Damang mine to local ownership but noted that Tarkwa is a much larger and more complex operation requiring substantial long term investment.
Gold Fields said it supports Ghana's ambition to increase local participation in the mining sector but believes that should be pursued in a way that preserves investor confidence, strengthens local businesses and ensures the country remains an attractive destination for mining investment.
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