West African Resources Set for a Transformative Year with Kiaka Mining Centre Launch
In an exciting development for the mining sector, West African Resources, listed on the ASX, is gearing up for what it anticipates will be a transformative year. The company’s Kiaka mining centre in Burkina Faso is poised to begin production, signaling a significant step forward in its operational capabilities and gold output.
For 2023, West African Resources projects an impressive total production range of between 290,000 ounces and 360,000 ounces from its two primary mining operations—Sanbrado and the newly launched Kiaka. This growth will be particularly pronounced in the latter half of the year as the Kiaka process plant undergoes its commissioning and transitions into steady-state operations.
Sanbrado is expected to be the workhorse of the operation, contributing between 190,000 ounces and 210,000 ounces of gold. Kiaka, with its first gold pour anticipated for the third quarter, is projected to produce between 100,000 ounces and 150,000 ounces. This diversified production strategy reflects West African Resources’ commitment to sustainable and growing gold extraction within the region.
One of the standout features of the Sanbrado mine is its impressive site sustaining cost, which averages below ,350 per ounce. In a bid to ensure long-term, low-cost gold production, the company plans to invest further at the Sanbrado project. This includes the development of both the Toega open pit and the M5 underground prospect, scheduled for the second half of the year.
Moreover, West African Resources will reveal an updated resource, reserve, and ten-year production plan in late Q2. This will include the inaugural ore reserve statement for the M5 underground expansion at Sanbrado, alongside revealing throughput grades for both Sanbrado and Kiaka.
In addition to these developments, the company has ambitious drilling plans, set to encompass 115,000 meters across both operations throughout the year. This extensive exploration is geared toward identifying depth extensions and near-surface anomalies to bolster gold resources and extend the operational life of the mines. The company has earmarked a budget of million specifically for these exploration activities.
All signs indicate that West African Resources is on a trajectory of growth and innovation in the mining industry, reinforcing its position as a significant player in Burkina Faso’s robust mining landscape.
For updates and the latest developments, stay tuned to Africazine as we follow the progress of West African Resources and its contributions to the dynamic mining sector in West Africa.
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