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 West Wits Mining has officially brought new life to one of the world’s most storied gold districts with the opening of the Qala Shallows Underground Mine, South Africa’s first new underground gold mine in a decade and a half, and a milestone moment for the country’s embattled gold sector.

For West Wits CEO and Group Managing Director Rudi Deysel, the opening signals far more than the commissioning of a new shaft, it marks the revival of a historic gold belt once thought to be nearing its end.

Production outlook

• Life-of-mine: 17 years
• Steady-state output: ~70,000 oz/year for 12 years
• Economic contribution to South Africa: >US$1.15 billion
• Direct jobs (Phase 1): 1,000+
• Robust commitments to local procurement and enterprise development

“For years, many believed the Central Rand had reached the end of its mining life,” Deysel told attendees. “But Qala Shallows shows that with rigorous geological work, clear planning, disciplined execution and strong cooperation between government and business, new underground gold mines can still be developed in this district. The Witwatersrand built Johannesburg and shaped our economy, and it still holds substantial potential.”

He emphasised the collaboration behind the project: “This mine would not have been possible without the support of government, our lenders, host communities and industry partners. Today, Qala Shallows starts a fresh chapter for the Witwatersrand and for South African gold mining.”

Project Progress: from mobilisation to first ore

Since mobilisation in July 2025, development at Qala Shallows has advanced at pace. First ore reached surface in October 2025, with underground infrastructure now in place to support ramp-up. A surface stockpile is already building and is expected to reach ~30,000 tonnes ahead of the first gold pour scheduled for March 2026.

Strategic significance for West Wits

Qala Shallows transforms West Wits from a developer into a producer and establishes the operational backbone for long-term growth across the Witwatersrand Basin Project (WBP). With a Mineral Resource Estimate exceeding 5 Moz, the WBP will unfold in phases, including future development at Bird Reef Central.

The company’s long-term aspiration, Project 200, targets production of 200,000 oz per year through staged, sustainable expansion.

What’s next?

West Wits will continue underground development ahead of the March 2026 first pour, while accelerating planning for subsequent phases of the WBP. Additional updates will be released in line with continuous disclosure requirements. 

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