6 reasons Engineers and Planners Ltd won the Damang Mining Lease
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has officially approved the award of the Damang Mining Lease to Engineers and Planners Ltd following a competitive tender process that saw four companies submit bids by the March 31, 2026, deadline.
The decision, based on the report of the Tender Committee set up by the Minerals Commission under Regulation 261 of LI 2176, has been upheld by the government. Below are the six specific reasons why E&P emerged as the successful tenderer.
1. Full compliance with all mandatory requirements
The tender process established a strict first-phase gatekeeping mechanism: any bidder failing to meet any mandatory requirement would be disqualified and not considered for further evaluation. E&P satisfied every single condition.
These included providing proof of a wholly owned Ghanaian registered company with registration documents detailing current directors, shareholdings, and beneficial ownership; valid tax clearance certificate; valid SSNIT clearance certificate; valid VAT clearance certificate; valid certificate of incorporation; and proof of payment of the GHS100,000 application fee. Two of the four bidders—Maripoma Mining Services Ltd and Vortex Resources Mining Group—were disqualified at this stage for failing to submit the required documents.
2. Demonstrated access to financing meeting the USD500 million threshold
Operating a mine of Damang's scale requires substantial capital. The Tender Committee confirmed that E&P provided documentary evidence of access to financing that met the minimum threshold of USD 500 million. This proof of financial capacity assured evaluators that the company possesses the necessary resources to sustain and develop the mine's operations without interruption.
3. Relevant experience and knowledge of Damang's operations, infrastructure, and geology
Beyond financial capability, the committee assessed technical competence. E&P's tender documentation demonstrated that the company possesses experience and knowledge directly relevant to the specific operations, infrastructure, and geological characteristics of the Damang Mine. This site-specific understanding distinguished E&P from competitors who lacked comparable familiarity with the asset.
4. Submission of a viable development plan including life-of-mine extension measures
The government's interest extends beyond mere continued operation; it seeks long-term value. E&P submitted proposals for the development of the mine that included concrete measures intended to extend the life of the mine beyond ten years. This forward-looking plan aligned with national objectives of maximising mineral asset longevity and sustained economic contribution.
5. Highest evaluated technical score
Following verification of mandatory requirements, the two responsive tenders—E&P and Heath Goldfields Ltd—proceeded to technical and financial evaluation. E&P attained the highest evaluated score based on the applicable evaluation criteria. Heath Goldfields Ltd, in contrast, failed to achieve the minimum qualifying score of 80 per cent, and its financial proposal was therefore not evaluated in line with the tender notice.
6. Determination as the most viable tender demonstrating highest capability
Concluding its assessment, the Tender Committee stated explicitly that E&P "demonstrated the highest capability to operate the Damang mine, substantiated by their submission of the most viable tender." This overarching finding, based on the cumulative weight of compliance, financing, experience, technical score, and development plans, formed the basis for the committee's recommendation, which the Minister subsequently approved with a directive to the Minerals Commission to take all requisite regulatory steps to give effect to the decision.
The government has reiterated its commitment to the Damang Mine's continued contribution to Ghana's economy, commending the Tender Committee for its dedication to what it described as a critical national assignment.