West Wits advances Witwatersrand project after Qala Shallows breakthrough
The mining company completed 544m of underground development during the June quarter as it moves towards higher-grade stoping areas and increased production
West Wits Mining has reached a key development milestone at its Witwatersrand Basin Project in South Africa, following the breakthrough of the 1 West Decline at Qala Shallows.
The breakthrough provides access to higher-grade, pre-developed stoping areas and is expected to accelerate the company’s pathway towards increased production.
During the quarter ending June 30, 2026, West Wits completed 544m of underground development, including 375m of on-reef development, as it continued to advance the project.
The company delivered 4.6kg (148oz) of gold during the quarter, taking year-to-date production to 7.05kg (227oz).
“The June quarter marks a step-change in the operations of West Wits. The 1 West Decline breakthrough is the moment we have been building toward — it transitions Qala Shallows from early on-reef development ore into pre-existing higher-grade stopes and provides access to a significant inventory that requires reduced preparation work,” said CEO and Managing Director, Rudi Deysel.
West Wits is also progressing the surface infrastructure required to support its operations, with construction now 45% complete. A permanent warehouse has been completed and is fully operational.
Underground mining capacity has been expanded through the addition of two 10-tonne load-haul-dump (LHD) machines and a third jumbo drill rig.
Scoping Study expanded
West Wits has also expanded the scope of its Scoping Study, with the results expected to be released publicly in early August 2026.
The study forms part of the company’s plans to establish a pathway towards 200,000oz of annual gold production at the Witwatersrand Basin Project.
The company said the project has entered a new phase as underground development accelerates and financing has been secured.
West Wits has executed its full project finance package, while the Nebari facility has been repaid.
With financing in place and underground development progressing, the company is now focused on ramping up production while advancing the Scoping Study and evaluating the project’s potential to reach its longer-term production ambitions.
The Witwatersrand Basin remains one of South Africa’s most important gold-producing regions, and West Wits’ latest progress represents another step towards developing its project within the historic goldfield.
