Mineral royalties surge throughout all sub-sectors in 2025; report sturdy positive factors in gold, manganese – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Ghana’s mineral sector recorded a historic performance in 2025, with royalty collections soaring across all major mining sub-sectors. According to new data from the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), the country’s mining revenue surged in the first three quarters of the year, driven by strong output in gold, manganese, and other key minerals. This article breaks down the numbers, analyzes the trends, and explains the implications for investors, regulators, and the broader economy.

Analysis

Gold Dominates Royalty Collections

Large-scale gold mining remained the backbone of Ghana’s mineral revenue, contributing US$291.87 million in royalties by the end of September 2025. This represents a 40.18% increase compared to the US$208.20 million collected during the same period in 2024. The jump reflects higher production volumes, improved compliance, and sustained global demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.

Mid-Tier Gold Sector Shows Strong Growth

Mid-tier gold mining operations also posted impressive gains. Royalties from this segment rose from GH₵40.61 million in the first nine months of 2024 to GH₵59.44 million in 2025—a 46.38% increase. This growth signals the resilience of smaller-scale but compliant operators and suggests effective regulatory oversight and support from the MIIF.

Manganese Records Exceptional Royalty Surge

One of the standout performers in 2025 was the manganese sector, which saw royalty inflows jump by 170%. Payments climbed from US$4.72 million in 2024 to US$12.75 million in 2025. This dramatic increase was fueled by higher production levels and stronger compliance from mining companies, highlighting the sector’s growing importance in Ghana’s mineral export mix.

Growth in Quarrying and Sand Mining

The quarrying sector contributed to the positive trend, with royalties rising 13.12% from GH₵11.62 million to GH₵13.15 million. Meanwhile, sand mining royalties increased by 21.48%, from GH₵364,998.58 to GH₵433,406.41. These gains reflect improved monitoring and formalization of smaller-scale operations that are often prone to underreporting.

Summary

Ghana’s mineral royalty collections in 2025 demonstrated robust growth across all sub-sectors. The data underscores the effectiveness of regulatory reforms, enhanced compliance mechanisms, and increased production. Gold remained the top revenue generator, while manganese emerged as a high-growth mineral. The overall performance positions Ghana as a leading destination for mining investment in West Africa.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Investors

The 2025 royalty data signals a healthy and transparent mining sector in Ghana. Investors should consider opportunities in both gold and industrial minerals like manganese, which are showing strong growth trajectories. Partnering with compliant operators and staying updated on regulatory changes can enhance returns and reduce risk.

For Policy Makers

To sustain this momentum, policymakers should continue strengthening transparency in royalty collection, supporting mid-tier miners with access to finance and technology, and expanding formalization programs for small-scale operations. Regular data publication and stakeholder engagement will further build investor confidence.

For Mining Companies

Mining firms should prioritize compliance with royalty reporting and payment schedules. Investing in efficient production technologies and community engagement can improve operational sustainability and reduce regulatory risks.

Points of Caution

• Relying heavily on commodity prices can create revenue volatility; diversification is key.
• Small-scale mining sectors still face challenges with informal practices and environmental compliance.
• Global market fluctuations in gold and manganese prices could impact future royalty collections.
• Ensuring that local communities benefit from mining revenues remains a critical social challenge.

Comparison

Compared to 2024, 2025 showed marked improvement across all mining sub-sectors. While gold has consistently been the top contributor, the exceptional growth in manganese highlights the potential of non-traditional minerals. In contrast, 2023 saw slower growth due to lower compliance and production disruptions. The 2025 performance sets a new benchmark for sectoral efficiency and transparency.

Legal Implications

The increase in royalty collections reflects stronger enforcement of mining laws and regulations. The MIIF’s active role in monitoring compliance ensures that companies adhere to contractual and legal obligations. Failure to comply can result in penalties, license suspensions, or legal action. Transparent royalty systems also help prevent resource-related disputes and enhance Ghana’s reputation in international mining governance frameworks.

Conclusion

Ghana’s 2025 mineral royalty performance marks a significant milestone in the country’s mining history. With double- and triple-digit growth across gold, manganese, and other sectors, the data reflects a well-regulated, productive, and investor-friendly industry. Sustaining this progress will require continued collaboration between government, miners, and communities. For stakeholders worldwide, Ghana’s mining sector offers a compelling model of growth grounded in transparency and compliance.

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