The Director of Mineral Titles at the Minerals Commission, Frank Pedro Asare, has disclosed that the Commission receives an average of 50 applications for small-scale mining licences each day.
Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, he noted that it typically takes up to 150 days to secure a valid mining licence, a timeline some applicants are unwilling to wait for.
He explained that the Commission does not directly grant mining licences or leases, stressing that under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the final decision to grant mineral rights rests with the sector minister, based on recommendations from the Commission.
According to him, the Mineral Titles Department plays a technical and administrative role in processing applications through a digital cadastral system, which has now been moved online to improve efficiency.
He outlined that applicants are required to submit a site plan signed by a certified surveyor, after which the Commission verifies the proposed area to ensure there are no conflicts with existing concessions.
“The first important thing is the area of interest because if it conflicts with another, yours cannot be approved,” he said.
He added that the process operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once an application passes the technical assessment, it is forwarded to the minister for approval. If approved, an offer is issued and a formal agreement is prepared and signed before a mining lease is granted.
He, however, noted that ministerial approval is not automatic, indicating that applications may be rejected for valid reasons.
Ing. Asare further clarified that obtaining a mining lease alone does not permit operations, as applicants must also secure an operating permit before commencing mining activities.
He emphasised that while the system is structured to ensure transparency and due diligence, delays often arise due to high application volumes and procedural requirements.
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