Minerals Commission Dispel Worries to Clarify Lithium Lease Concerns

The Minerals Commission has acknowledged the rising concerns expressed by certain members of the Ghanaian public regarding the mining lease agreement between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited, following the recent announcement by Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
At a brief ceremony on October 19, 2023, Minister Jinapor officially signed the first mining lease for Lithium exploitation in Ghana, marking a significant step forward in the country’s mining sector. The subsequent publication of the lease on the Commission’s website aimed to provide public accessibility and transparency regarding this momentous agreement.
The 15-year mining lease, granted to Barari DV Ghana Limited—a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, an Australian company listed on the ASX and AIM of the London Stock Exchange—covers an expanse of 42.63 square kilometers in and around Ewoyaa within the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region, a press release under the hand of the Chief Executive Officer, Nana Kwaku Ayisi read.
Despite the lease’s availability to the general public, the Minerals Commission has noted that some commentators have not thoroughly reviewed the agreement. As a result, concerns have emerged based on assumptions lacking factual support or comprehensive data.
In response to these concerns, the Commission has arranged a press conference scheduled for Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Ministry of Information. This conference aims to provide detailed clarification on the contract’s nature, procedural aspects, and the subsequent steps following the lease’s grant.
The Minerals Commission reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing Ghana’s mineral resources, ensuring that these resources serve the best interests of the Ghanaian people. The Commission emphasizes that the mining lease was signed in the best interest of Ghana and aims to address any misconceptions or uncertainties surrounding the agreement during the upcoming press conference.                       SOURCE; Charles McCarthy