Heath Goldfields revives Bogoso-Prestea Mine, mining ongoing, gold production expected soon

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Prestea

Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL) has so far invested US$75 million in preparatory works to revive the Bogoso-Prestea Mine despite protracted legal battles that stalled the company’s progress during the first half of the year.

The investment covers safety upgrades, infrastructural refurbishment, and technical works aimed at restoring full-scale mining operations at the historic gold mine, which had been left dormant for years.

The company also cleared GH¢103 million in outstanding salaries owed to workers and settled inherited electricity debts left by the previous operator. Additionally, HGL has negotiated with government to pay a US$7 million mineral rights rent liability, further demonstrating its commitment to stabilizing operations and restoring the mine’s economic value.

“These are not just numbers on paper-they reflect our determination to rebuild this mine into a sustainable and world-class operation,” said Patrick Appiah-Mensah, Managing Director of Heath Goldfields. “We are doing this despite the significant legal hurdles we faced at the start of the year.

Legal challenges delayed work

According to Mr. Appiah-Mensah, the company spent the first five months of 2025 defending a string of lawsuits filed by Blue Gold FGR, which contested government’s decision to transfer the mine lease to Heath Goldfields.

“All the cases brought against us have since been dismissed by the courts,” he disclosed, stressing that the legal wrangling significantly slowed progress that could have been achieved much earlier.

“If not for the lawsuits, we would have advanced far beyond this point. But we remained resolute and committed to the turnaround agenda,” he added.

The MD made these remarks at a community mining consultative meeting held to update traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and local stakeholders on the company’s redevelopment plans and progress so far which also coincided with a mine tour.

US$205m redevelopment plan underway

HGL is pursuing a five-year Phase One redevelopment plan worth US$205 million to modernize the Bogoso-Prestea Mine. The strategy includes underground mine redevelopment, establishment of a sulphide processing plant, and a ramp-up to 285,000 ounces of gold in annual production once fully operational.

A critical part of the plan is the dewatering of the underground mine, which had been flooded after years of inactivity. The company is currently pumping out about 10 million litres of water daily, with water levels already reduced by 75 feet. Key refurbishment works are also nearing completion.

“This is a Ghanaian-owned and Ghanaian-managed company determined to prove that local firms can lead major mining operations successfully,” Mr. Appiah-Mensah stated.

He also rejected claims linking Heath Goldfields to the woes of Blue Gold FGR, insisting that the government clearly outlined the reasons for terminating the previous leaseholder’s rights.

“How can we be blamed for that? If things were working as they should, the mine wouldn’t have been handed over to us,” he remarked.

Community leaders endorse project

The Divisional Chief of Prestea Himan, Nana Nteboa Pra IV, has lauded Heath Goldfields for the visible progress made in a short period, describing the company’s efforts as a turning point for the community.

“We’ve sacrificed a lot for this mine, and for the first time in years, we’re seeing tangible work being done. If all goes well, the future looks bright for Prestea,” he said.

He urged parties contesting the lease transfer to pursue their claims in court while allowing the company to focus on development.

“Opportunity was given to the previous operators, but nothing was done. Heath has shown in a short time that they mean business,” he added.

Nana Nteboa further stated that the community and traditional leaders are fully backing HGL’s redevelopment drive, noting that a revived mine would translate into jobs, infrastructure, and new business opportunities for the area.

Boosting local content

Heath Goldfields is 90 percent Ghanaian-owned and 100 percent Ghanaian-managed, with Government of Ghana owing 10 percent, positioning it as one of the few large-scale mining operations led by local investors and professionals.

The company says its model is a practical expression of Ghana’s local content policy, which seeks to increase Ghanaian participation and ownership in the extractive sector.

“We’re not just reviving a mine-we’re building a sustainable future for the people of Prestea and beyond,” Mr. Appiah-Mensah emphasized.

The revival of the Bogoso-Prestea Mine is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost national gold output, and stimulate local economic activity across the Prestea-Huni Valley enclave.

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