West African Resources has reported significant diamond drilling results extending high-grade gold mineralisation well below its current resource at Sanbrado, Burkina Faso, setting the stage for a major resource update in Q2 2026.
- 28m at 6.1 g/t gold intersected 400m below M5 South underground resource
- Drilling confirms potential for mine life extension at M5 South and open pit cutback at M5 North
- M1 North drilling supports continuation of mineralisation beneath existing pit
- Resource and reserve update, plus 10-year production plan, scheduled for Q2 2026
- Robust exploration program underway with multiple rigs targeting resource growth
Exploration Success at Depth
West African Resources Limited (ASX, WAF) has unveiled promising diamond drilling results from its Sanbrado Gold Operations in Burkina Faso, highlighting a significant extension of high-grade gold mineralisation beneath the M5 South underground deposit. The company reported a standout intercept of 28 metres grading 6.1 grams per tonne gold, located 400 metres below the current mineral resource boundary. This discovery not only confirms the continuity of mineralisation at depth but also signals potential for a meaningful extension of the mine life.
M5 North and M1 North Drilling Advances
Alongside the M5 South underground success, drilling at the M5 North open pit deposit continues to deliver encouraging results. Intercepts such as 45 metres at 0.9 grams per tonne gold support the possibility of an open pit cutback, which could expand the mine’s surface operations. Meanwhile, the M1 North deposit drilling has confirmed that gold mineralisation persists beneath the existing pit, with assays including 18 metres at 3.8 grams per tonne gold. These findings collectively underpin the company’s plans to update its mineral resource and ore reserve estimates.
Implications for Production and Planning
West African Resources is targeting a comprehensive update to its Mineral Resource, Ore Reserve, and a 10-year production plan by the second quarter of 2026. The new drilling data will be incorporated into this update, potentially increasing the resource base and supporting a longer, more sustainable production horizon. Executive Chairman Richard Hyde emphasised the company’s commitment to robust growth and sustainability, noting the active exploration programs and the strategic importance of these drilling results for Sanbrado’s future.
Operational Outlook
The ongoing drilling programs at M5 South underground are intensive, with multiple rigs operating and plans to mobilise additional equipment as underground development progresses. The company aims to refine its geological and structural models further, which will help optimise mining strategies. At M5 North, drilling is focused on confirming mineralisation below the current open pit ore reserve to evaluate cutback potential. These efforts reflect a proactive approach to resource conversion and mine planning.
Strategic Positioning in Burkina Faso
Sanbrado remains a cornerstone asset for West African Resources, situated within a prolific gold belt in Burkina Faso. The company holds all necessary permits and maintains strong relationships with local authorities, ensuring operational continuity. The recent drilling success reinforces Sanbrado’s position as a significant gold producer in the region, with potential for further resource growth and production scale-up.
Bottom Line?
With high-grade gold mineralisation extending deeper than expected, West African Resources is poised to reshape Sanbrado’s production outlook in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated resource and reserve figures impact West African’s valuation and production targets?
- What are the timelines and capital requirements for developing the newly identified deeper mineralisation?
- Could the potential open pit cutback at M5 North materially increase near-term production volumes?