See EPA permit requirements for gold buyers in Ghana
According to the EPA, individuals, aggregators, and self-financing aggregators involved in the gold buying trade must obtain environmental permits by the Environmental Assessment Regulations (LI 1652).
Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a public statement reinforcing the mandatory environmental permitting process for all entities engaged in gold buying, amid growing environmental and public health concerns associated with artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
According to the EPA, individuals, aggregators, and self-financing aggregators involved in the gold buying trade must obtain environmental permits by the Environmental Assessment Regulations (LI 1652). The agency emphasized that this process is designed to promote regulatory compliance, ensure transparency, and safeguard both human health and the environment.
The EPA’s concerns stem primarily from smelting activities within the sector, which often involve the use of mercury. Mercury exposure can lead to the formation of methylmercury—a highly toxic compound that can pollute water sources, accumulate in fish, and cause serious health issues such as neurological disorders and kidney damage.
“Gold buying operations, especially those involving smelting, can present considerable risks if left unchecked,” the EPA stated. “Our permitting framework is not only supportive and transparent but also anchored in public and environmental safety.”
Permit Categories and Fees
The EPA detailed four categories of gold buyers, each with specific environmental risk levels and corresponding fees:
Tier 1 Gold Buyer
Processing Fee: GHS 1,000
Permit Fee: GHS 5,000
Tier 2 Gold Buyer
Processing Fee: GHS 2,000
Permit Fee: GHS 10,000
Self-Financing Aggregator
Processing Fee: US$500
Permit Fee: US$1,500
Minimum Capital Requirement: US$100,000
Aggregator
Processing Fee: US$1,000
Permit Fee: US$3,000
Minimum Capital Requirement: US$5 million
Must complete a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) and submit a Preliminary Environmental Report (PER)
Tiers 1 and 2 are classified as lower-risk and are charged in Ghanaian cedis, while aggregators and self-financing aggregators—due to their higher environmental impact—are assessed in U.S. dollars and face more stringent requirements.
To facilitate the process, the EPA has committed to assisting applicants with completing Form EA1, guiding environmental assessments, and promoting the adoption of mercury-free alternatives.
“We call on all gold buyers to see compliance not just as a legal obligation, but as a shared responsibility to protect our land, water, and people,” the statement concluded.
Gold buyers interested in beginning the permit process can visit www.epa.gov.gh or contact any EPA regional office for support.
