First ore delivered: The initial underground ore has been successfully extracted and stockpiled at the Ezulwini processing facility. Stockpiling is underway, with a target of accumulating 30,000 tonnes by the end of Q1|2026 to ensure a consistent ore supply
Processing timeline: Processing of the stockpiled ore is scheduled to commence in Q1|2026, with the first gold pour anticipated shortly thereafter
Safety measures: The mining operations adhere to stringent safety standards, with equipment such as drill rigs equipped with Level 9 collision avoidance, proximity detection, and fire suppression systems to ensure a safe working environment
Project scale: The Qala Shallows project boasts an ore reserve of 4.6 Mt at 2.60 g/t, totaling approximately 383 934 oz. The DFS indicates a 17-year mine life, aiming for a steady annual production of 70 000 oz over the first 12 years

West Wits Mining has reached an operational milestone with the delivery of its first underground ore from the Qala Shallows gold project. This milestone marks the commencement of underground ore production within South Africa’s historically significant Witwatersrand Basin. It also signals the company’s successful transition from mobilisation and development works to full-scale underground extraction.

Recent history of gold mines in South Africa

The Burnstone mine opened in 2010 | The Modder East mine began production in 2009

Commenting on the achievement, CEO Rudi Deysel said: "This marks a transformational step for West Wits, the beginning of true underground mining at Qala Shallows. With our first ore delivered to surface and on-reef development now underway, we’ve crossed the threshold into production, demonstrating the strength of our execution and the commitment of our team. The progress achieved since mobilisation in July has been exceptional. Supported by a strong funding position and robust infrastructure, we are firmly on track to establish a long-life gold operation within the renowned Witwatersrand Basin."

Qala Shallows’ underground development has advanced rapidly, supported by a solid financial base that includes:

• A$17.7 million equity placement (September 2025)
• A US$12.5 million Nebari loan facility
• A ~US$50 million syndicated loan facility, subject to conditions precedent

These funds have facilitated the construction of critical infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient operations. Key milestones include:

• Completion of cover drilling
• Commissioning of underground communications
• Installation of decline lighting
• Completion of a concrete haul road capable of supporting heavy haulage

The first ore delivery followed extensive preparatory works, including the construction of a full-length engineered concrete roadway through the box-cut and the installation of drainage systems to manage water flow.

The site’s first double-boom underground drill rig, fitted with Level 9 collision avoidance, proximity detection, and fire suppression systems, has commenced drilling operations. This mechanisation marks a transition from early-stage handheld operations to fully mechanised underground development.

West Wits is targeting a 30,000-tonne ore stockpile by the end of Q1|2026, ensuring a consistent feed to the Ezulwini Processing Plant under an exclusive toll-treatment agreement with Sibanye-Stillwater. Processing of stockpiled ore is expected to commence in Q1|2026, with the first gold pour marking the company’s transition to revenue-generating operations.

The successful start of underground ore production at Qala Shallows reinforces West Wits’ position as a key player in South Africa’s gold sector. With a long-life, steady-state operation now underway, the project is set to contribute to regional economic growth while advancing the company’s strategic objectives within the Witwatersrand Basin.

This development is significant for the South African mining sector, as it introduces a new gold operation in the historic Witwatersrand Basin. The project is poised to contribute to the region's economic growth and job creation, while also enhancing West Wits Mining's position in the global gold market.

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