The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says the mining lease granted to Barari DV Ltd, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium, for the exploitation of lithium at the Ewoyaa concessions in the Central Region has the best terms for Ghana and will be strictly enforced.
The government granted Atlantic Lithium a mining permit for its Ewoyaa project, marking Ghana’s first lithium operation, in a bid to tap into the electric vehicle and renewable energy trend.
The deal includes a 15-year permit, a 10% royalty rate (up from the standard 5%), and an increased state interest of 13% (up from 10%).
The Ministry is, however, set to present the deal to Parliament for scrutiny over reservations expressed by the Minority in Parliament.
In a statement issued and signed by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor on Friday, October 27, 2023, the Minister noted that the Ministry will avail itself to Parliamentary procedure during the ratification process.
“The terms negotiated by Government in respect of this Mining Lease is one of the best for the exploitation of any mineral on the African continent and beyond, and it is needless to point out that Government shall, without fail, submit this Lease, as it has done with all others, to Parliament, in accordance with article 268 of our national Constitution and the terms of the Mining Lease, for its consideration.
”As always, the Ministry will avail itself to the procedures of Parliament during the ratification process and will be more than ready to justify and/or clarify all the terms agreed to, if necessary.”
“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, under the distinguished leadership of President Akufo-Addo, continuous to assure the general public of its unflinching commitment to the efficient, effective and sustainable exploitation and management of the natural resources of our country, in the spirit of transparency, anchored on integrity and utmost good faith, for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,” parts of the statement read.
