Damang Gold Mine Unveils Massive Expansion & Community Projects, Eyes 15 More Years of Operation

The Damang Gold Mine, now under the stewardship of Engineers and Planners since April 2026, is actively expanding its operations and making significant strides in both production and community development. This follows its official handover after Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s lease expired, and the concession was awarded through a competitive tender supervised by the Minerals Commission, with the symbolic transfer overseen by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

Frank Dankyi Agyei, the Mine’s Manager in charge of Mining, has emphatically refuted allegations that the mine relies solely on existing stockpiles. He confirmed that active mining is robustly underway at multiple pits, including Amoanda and Juno, with future plans to extend operations to the Rex pits. A major cutback at the Amoanda Pit is consolidating several previously separate mining areas—the former Tometo East Pit, Amoanda Pit 4, and Amoanda Pits 2 and 3—into a single, larger pit with an approximate strike length of 1.8 kilometres. To facilitate this, the company has deployed a substantial fleet of heavy-duty equipment, including two Liebherr 9400 excavators, a Hitachi EX2000, and a Kattega excavator at Amoanda. At least five excavators, including Liebherr 9350 excavators, a Hitachi EX870, and a Pulse excavator, are actively supporting operations at the Juno pits.

These efforts have translated into impressive production figures. Between April and September 2026, Damang Gold Mine extracted approximately 12.1 million tonnes of material. Notably, 60% of the feed to its processing plant originates from fresh material from active mining operations, demonstrating a clear commitment to ongoing extraction rather than exclusive reliance on stockpiles, which account for the remaining 40%. Production steadily increased from 647,821 tonnes in April to a peak of 3.45 million tonnes in August, followed by three million tonnes in September.

The financial commitment to sustaining these operations is substantial. Mr. Agyei highlighted the vast investment in machinery, noting that a single Liebherr 9400 excavator can cost around €9 million, and the mine operates approximately 50 haul trucks, each valued at about €4.5 million, underscoring the significant financial backing required for its sustained operations.

Beyond operational specifics, there is strong confidence in the mine's future. Obed Asamoah, a mechanical engineer and certified inspecting engineer, believes Damang Gold Mine can remain operational for at least 15 more years, provided it receives the necessary investment. He emphasized that the transition merely involved a change of investor, and adequate capital is the key to sustaining and developing the mine. Mr. Asamoah also reflected on his initial skepticism about Ghanaian operators, stating that his experience has proven local professionals are highly capable of managing major industrial operations.

Under the leadership of Engineers and Planners’ CEO, Ibrahim Mahama, significant infrastructure investments are underway. Ramy Oboro, the Community Relations Manager, disclosed plans for an airport in the Western Region, an ambitious project estimated to cost at least US$80 million across two phases—land levelling followed by the construction of facilities, equipment installation, and electrical systems. Residents have already praised Mr. Mahama for improved road construction, making journeys significantly easier and less tiring.

Damang Gold Mine is also deeply committed to its host communities, which include Subri, Damang, Kyekyewere, Huni Valley, Amoanda, Koduakrom, Bompraasu, Twenda, Aboso, and Mile 4 Nyamebekyere. The company plans to establish a community foundation fund, setting aside a portion of its gold production over three years to finance development projects. Management and traditional leaders will jointly identify and prioritize these projects, with an emphasis on awarding contracts to local businesses to ensure economic benefits remain within the communities. Furthermore, a corporate social responsibility forum resulted in an agreement for 60% of the mine’s workforce to be sourced from these host communities, with the remaining 40% open to other Ghanaians. Residents have expressed gratitude for the positive changes observed within six months of the new management, particularly the road improvements, but have also appealed for increased employment opportunities, especially for women and National Service personnel.