West Wits Mining Limited has delivered its first underground ore to surface from the Qala Shallows gold project, marking the start of underground production in South Africa’s Witwatersrand Basin.
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The company said the milestone follows the completion and commissioning of key underground infrastructure, including a full-length engineered concrete haul road and formal water management systems to support safe, continuous ore movement.
“This marks a transformational step for West Wits — the beginning of true underground mining at Qala Shallows,” said CEO Rudi Deysel. “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.”
According to Deysel, the milestone represents the company’s successful transition from mobilisation and preparatory works to active ore extraction, a significant step toward establishing a long-life, steady-state gold operation within the Basin.
Key developments at Qala Shallows
West Wits has completed cover drilling, installed underground communications and lighting, and commissioned its first double boom drill rig, now fully operational underground. Night shift operations have also begun to accelerate production.
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The company emphasised its ongoing focus on safety, noting that a Proximity Detection System and fire suppression unit have been installed on the drill rig as part of its best-practice compliance measures.
Outlook and funding
West Wits aims to build a 30,000-tonne ore stockpile by the end of Q1 2026, with first gold processing expected during the same quarter through a toll-treatment agreement with Sibanye-Stillwater’s Ezulwini processing plant.
Financially, the company remains well positioned, having raised A$17.7 million in September 2025 and secured agreements for a US$12.5 million Nebari loan facility and a US$50 million syndicated loan facility, subject to final conditions. These funds will support the ramp-up phase and transition into full-scale production.
“The progress achieved by our team since mobilisation in July is exceptional,” Deysel added. “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.”