Orezone Gold delivered a solid Q2 2026 as a multi-mine producer with Bomboré mining ahead of schedule and Casa Berardi advancing underground development despite a wildfire-induced pause. The company reaffirmed its 2026 production guidance amid operational challenges.
- First full quarter post-Casa Berardi acquisition
- Bomboré exceeds mining plan with higher-grade ore access expected
- Casa Berardi invests in underground growth, mill throughput surpasses plan
- Temporary wildfire suspension at Casa Berardi with no expected 2026 impact
- 2026 production guidance reaffirmed
Multi-Mine Production Milestone
Orezone Gold Corporation (ASX:ORE) marked its first full quarter as a multi-mine operator in Q2 2026, following the March acquisition of Quebec’s Casa Berardi mine. The combined output reached 58,566 ounces of gold, nearly doubling Q1’s 38,789 ounces as Casa Berardi ramped up from a modest 1,226 ounces in the prior quarter to 20,503 ounces.
CEO Patrick Downey highlighted that both Bomboré in Burkina Faso and Casa Berardi performed in line with expectations during this transition phase, with ongoing investments in underground development and equipment at Casa Berardi aiming to boost future production capacity.
Bomboré’s Strong Mining and Processing Performance
Bomboré sustained robust mining operations, exceeding planned ore tonnes despite earlier supply interruptions of explosives in Q1. The mine milled 2.48 million tonnes at a head grade of 0.55 g/t, producing 38,063 ounces of gold. Processing throughput surpassed design capacity in both oxide and hard rock circuits, maintaining expected recovery rates.
Orezone anticipates a production profile weighted towards the second half of 2026, with the highest output expected in Q4 as access to higher-grade ore from the P17 pit improves. This outlook aligns with previous guidance and reflects the successful mobilization of additional contractors and drilling capacity to accelerate hard rock ore extraction.
Casa Berardi’s Development and Operational Progress
Casa Berardi’s operations advanced with significant underground development, expanded definition drilling, and new equipment deployments to support increased throughput. The mine milled 364,284 tonnes at a head grade of 2.01 g/t, producing 20,503 ounces, a substantial increase from Q1.
Open pit mining at the F160 pit continued, with the third quarter expected to rely on lower-grade stockpiles before ramping up higher-grade direct feed ore deliveries in Q4, consistent with the company’s sequencing plan. Mill throughput averaged over 4,000 tonnes per day, exceeding the planned 3,900 tonnes.
Strategic initiatives progressed, including expanded pit designs (F134 and F160), an ongoing Life-of-Mine study, and intensified exploration to underpin future mine planning and underground growth.
Wildfire Suspension and Operational Outlook
On July 10, a wildfire approximately 12 kilometres from Casa Berardi prompted a voluntary suspension of operations as a precaution. Thanks to favourable weather and effective wildfire suppression by SOPFEU, Orezone expects to resume activities shortly. Management does not foresee this temporary halt affecting the 2026 production guidance for Casa Berardi.
Orezone plans to release its Q2 financial results on August 12, with a conference call and webcast scheduled to discuss operational details and outlook.
Bottom Line?
Orezone’s first full quarter as a multi-mine producer shows operational resilience and strategic investment, but wildfire risks at Casa Berardi underscore ongoing environmental uncertainties.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Casa Berardi’s underground development translate into sustained production growth beyond 2026?
- What is the potential impact of fluctuating gold prices on Orezone’s streaming agreement with Franco-Nevada?
- Could further supply chain disruptions at Bomboré affect the timing of accessing higher-grade ore?