West Wits Mines First Gold at Qala Shallows, Launching Production Phase
West Wits Mining has poured its first gold from the Qala Shallows project in South Africa, marking a pivotal shift from development to production. This milestone positions the company as the newest gold producer in the historic Witwatersrand Basin.
- First gold poured on schedule at Ezulwini Processing Plant
- Qala Shallows is South Africa’s first new underground gold mine in over 15 years
- Transition to steady-state production targeted by 2028
- Witwatersrand Basin Project holds 7.24 million ounces of gold resources
- Focus now on ramping up underground development and expanding operations
A Defining Milestone for West Wits
West Wits Mining Limited has reached a significant operational milestone with the first gold pour from its flagship Qala Shallows Gold Project in Gauteng, South Africa. The inaugural pour, completed on 17 March 2026 at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Ezulwini Processing Plant, signals West Wits’ transition from a development-stage company to a producing gold miner.
This achievement is not just a company milestone but a landmark for the South African mining sector. Qala Shallows stands as the first new underground gold mine developed in the country in over 15 years, underscoring the enduring potential of the Witwatersrand Basin, one of the world’s most prolific gold districts.
On Schedule and Poised for Growth
West Wits met its targeted timeline for first gold production in the first quarter of 2026, a testament to disciplined project execution and effective collaboration with Sibanye-Stillwater under a toll-treatment agreement. The company has been steadily advancing underground development and stockpiling ore at the Ezulwini plant, setting the stage for a production ramp-up.
Looking ahead, West Wits plans to increase ore deliveries and scale operations towards steady-state production by 2028. The broader Witwatersrand Basin Project, of which Qala Shallows is Stage 1, boasts a global JORC mineral resource estimate of 7.24 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 4.0 grams per tonne, providing a robust foundation for long-term value creation.
Leadership Perspective and Industry Significance
CEO Rudi Deysel highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that first gold production marks the start of West Wits’ journey as a gold producer. Chairman Michael Quinert reflected on the years of effort required to secure mining rights, finance the project, and build the mine, expressing satisfaction at seeing the company produce gold from one of the world’s great gold basins.
As West Wits transitions to production, the company’s focus will remain on operational ramp-up and exploring growth opportunities across its extensive tenement package within the Witwatersrand Basin.
Bottom Line?
West Wits’ first gold pour sets the stage for a new chapter in South African gold mining, but the real test lies in sustaining and scaling production.
Questions in the middle?
- How smoothly will West Wits manage the ramp-up to steady-state production by 2028?
- What are the cost structures and margins expected as production scales?
- How will West Wits capitalise on growth opportunities across the broader Witwatersrand Basin Project?
