Gold Fields Ghana has defended its economic contribution to the country, saying nearly three-quarters of the value generated by its Tarkwa mine remains in Ghana, as public debate continues over the renewal of its mining leases.

In a statement issued on Monday, the company said approximately 74 cents of every dollar generated by the Tarkwa mine is retained in Ghana through taxes, royalties, government dividends, employee salaries and benefits, procurement from local businesses and investments in host communities.

The statement comes amid recent media reports on the position of the Apinto Divisional Council regarding the renewal of the mine’s leases. Gold Fields said the reports did not reflect its longstanding relationship with traditional authorities and communities in its operational areas.

The mining company said it has operated the Tarkwa mine for more than 30 years and has maintained regular engagement with traditional leaders and community representatives through the Tarkwa Mine Community Consultative Committee, community forums and other governance platforms.

According to the company, these engagements have provided opportunities to discuss mining operations, environmental management, land rehabilitation, community investments and the lease renewal process.

Gold Fields disclosed that it paid approximately GH¢5.8 billion to the government in 2025 through corporate taxes, royalties, dividends and other statutory payments.

It also spent about GH¢8.8 billion on local procurement across Ghana during the year, including GH¢6.5 billion with suppliers based in its host communities.

The company said its community development initiatives are implemented primarily through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, with projects selected by community representatives and traditional authorities.

According to the statement, the Foundation has invested more than US$110 million in host communities, funding projects in education, healthcare, water and sanitation, agriculture, enterprise development and environmental conservation.

The company cited the 33-kilometre Tarkwa-Damang asphalt road, the Tarkwa and Abosso Sports Stadium, more than 52 schools, scholarship programmes, an Artificial Intelligence SmartLab, skills development initiatives and healthcare facilities among projects financed through the Foundation.

Gold Fields also highlighted its employment record, saying about 70% of employees at the Tarkwa mine are drawn from host communities, while 99% of its workforce is Ghanaian.

On environmental management, the company said it has invested approximately US$46 million in mine rehabilitation since 2016, with annual spending averaging US$4.2 million.

It said more than 818,000 trees have been planted since 1998, while over 33,000 seedlings are currently being raised in its nursery for ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

The company added that rehabilitation activities are carried out alongside mining operations and include reforestation, biodiversity restoration and the creation of agricultural land for community use.

Gold Fields said it submitted its application to renew the Tarkwa mining leases in November 2025 and presented its proposal to the government in July 2026. It said it remains engaged with the authorities and is awaiting feedback on the application.

The company said its lease renewal proposal seeks to deepen local participation, expand local procurement, strengthen community benefits, support skills development and increase long-term socio-economic value creation.

While reaffirming its support for Ghana’s efforts to maximise benefits from its mineral resources, Gold Fields said this should be achieved in a manner that protects jobs, sustains investor confidence, supports local businesses and promotes responsible mining.