The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, says the transaction between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ltd, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Ltd, for the exploitation of lithium at Ewoyaa in the Central Region, is one of the best transactions for the exploitation of mineral resources on the African continent and beyond.

He said Government took a decision to treat lithium and the other green minerals differently from the minerals already being mined, thereby resulting in an agreement which provides enhanced benefits for the country.
This was contained a Press Release issued by the Minister on Friday, 27th October, 2023.

Earlier, the Minority in Parliament had issued Statement calling on Government to submit the Mining Lease to Parliament for ratification. The Minority alleged that the Company intends to commence operation by the first quarter of 2024, when the Lease has not been ratified by Parliament.

In response, the Minister debunked the suggestion that the company will commence operation in the first quarter of next year, stating that the signing of the mining lease is the first step to undertaking a mining operation, and that the lease would be submitted to Parliament as part of the processes for acquiring the requisite rights and permits to commence operation.

“It is trite learning that, after acquiring the mining lease, the company must go through other processes to obtain the requisite rights and permits before mining operations can commence. These include ratification of the mining lease by Parliament, the acquisition of environmental permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the acquisition of an Operating Permit from the Minerals Commission,” the Statement said.

Mr. Jinapor said the Mining Lease granted to the company contains an express provision to the effect that the Lease is subject to Parliamentary approval, in accordance with the Constitution and the mining laws of the country.