Perseus Mining (Ghana) Limited has released 70 hectares of its Ayanfuri Mining Lease in the Central Region to the Government of Ghana to support the country’s new Small-Scale Cooperative Mining Scheme.
The initiative, designed to empower local communities, aims to bring artisanal miners into the formal sector, create jobs, and curb illegal mining, which continues to damage land and water resources across Ghana.
The scheme will allow local chiefs, youth, and stakeholders to form cooperatives and apply for community-based mining licences.
Perseus’s CEO Jeff Quartermaine described the move as part of a broader partnership with the government to promote responsible mining. The company has also contributed US$1.428 million to rehabilitate the relinquished area.
“Following on from PMGL’s December 2024 dividend payment of US$5 million (GHS73,500,000) to the Government of Ghana, this agreement reflects our shared commitment to achieving long-term, sustainable success in the country. As part of this agreement, which has been struck with the Environmental Protection Authority, we have also contributed US$1.428 million to support future rehabilitation of the relinquished area, underscoring our dedication to responsible mining and environmental stewardship,” he explained.
Small-scale mining, often plagued by environmental damage and unregulated operations, remains a key employer in Ghana. By allocating land through official channels, the government hopes to reduce illegal mining, promote safer practices, and boost livelihoods.
Communities around Ayanfuri stand to benefit not only from access to legal mining areas but also from Perseus’s long-standing investments in infrastructure, education, and local employment through the Edikan Trust Fund and other community initiatives.
Since commencing gold mining at Edikan in 2011, Perseus has funded the Edikan Trust Fund, which has financed and implemented a range of infrastructure and livelihood development initiatives in the mine’s catchment area.
In the 2024 financial year alone, Perseus contributed over US$286 million to Ghana’s economy through taxes, royalties, and local spending. Industry watchers say this collaboration could mark a turning point in making small-scale mining more sustainable, benefiting both the environment and rural economies.
Annual funding was increased to US$500,000 in 2024 in recognition of three additional villages located near the recently developed Nkosuo project.
