First published,02 April 2026
West African Resources is poised for a landmark year in 2026, forecasting annual gold production of between 430,000 and 490,000 ounces, driven by its Burkina Faso operations.
- West African Resources forecasts annual gold production of 430,000–490,000 ounces in 2026, driven by operations in Burkina Faso.
- The surge is fueled by the first full year of output from the Kiaka mine and continued strong performance at the Sanbrado mine.
- Targeting an all-in sustaining cost below $1,900 per ounce, the company expects strong margins amid global price volatility.
- A $20 million exploration program is planned for 2026 to extend mine life.
The surge reflects the first full year of output from the Kiaka mine, the country’s largest, alongside continued strong performance at its founding Sanbrado mine.
The miner is targeting an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of below $1,900 per ounce, signalling robust margins amid global gold price volatility.
According to Miningmx, CEO and chairman Richard Hyde described 2026 as a “landmark year” for the group, highlighting the combined contribution of Kiaka, expected to produce 240,000–280,000 ounces, and Sanbrado, adding 190,000–210,000 ounces.
Shares in West African Resources responded positively, gaining nearly 5% on the Australian Securities Exchange following the announcement.
The company also flagged the potential for maiden shareholder returns through dividends and a share buy-back in the second half of the year, reflecting confidence in both cash flow and operational stability
West African Resources has allocated $20 million to exploration in 2026, with over 100,000 metres of drilling planned across Sanbrado, Kiaka, and surrounding areas. The program targets both near-surface anomalies and depth extensions to extend mine life and support future growth.
Last year, West African Resources reached a major milestone at its Kiaka gold project, producing its first gold bar weighing 5.7 kilograms, or approximately 183.3 ounces, during an on-site smelting process.
The Australian-listed company said the development came ahead of schedule and under budget, marking a strong start for what is expected to become one of the region’s most significant gold operations.
Executive Chairman Richard Hyde described the first gold pour from the Kiaka mine as “a major milestone” in the company’s ambition to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually by 2030.
The first gold was produced just three and a half years after the acquisition of Kiaka, reflecting the rapid pace of development.
“Planned production increases from Sanbrado and Kiaka underpin WAF’s goal of being a sustainable 500,000-plus ounce gold producer,” Hyde said, cementing Burkina Faso’s role as a key growth hub in West Africa’s mining sector.
SOURCE
Business Insider, Africa
