The Sanbrado mine plant
ASX-listed West African Resources expects to produce more than four-million ounces of gold over the next ten years, with production to peak at about 473 000 oz/y in 2029.
The company owns the high-grade Sanbrado and Kiaka gold projects, in Burkina Faso.
West African expects the Sanbrado project will produce 338 000 oz of gold in 2025, but average production of 211 000 oz/y from 2024 to 2033. Production from Sanbrado will peak at 252 000 oz/y in 2030.
The first gold pour at Kiaka is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025 and will more than double the company’s gold production to more than 400 000 oz/y.
West African remains fully funded to pouring first gold at Kiaka, through a $265-million debt facility.
Chairperson and CEO Richard Hyde says the company’s unhedged resources stand at 12.8-million ounces, while ore reserves are 6.1-million ounces.
More drilling will take place to convert resources to reserves at the M1 South underground prospect, as well as infill drilling to extend known mineralisation beneath the southern end of the M5 openpit.
The current mine plans for Sanbrado and Kiaka continue until 2034 and 2042, respectively, based on a conservative $1 400/oz gold price and more drilling.