West Wits Powers Qala Shallows with US$12.5M and First Ore Delivery
West Wits Mining has secured an initial US$12.5 million drawdown from its US$35 million Nebari facility, powering development at its Qala Shallows Gold Project in South Africa. The company reports key operational milestones, including first underground ore delivery and fleet expansion, targeting first gold pour by March 2026.
- US$12.5 million received from Nebari facility's first tranche
- First underground ore delivered and stockpiled in October 2025
- Main decline development initiated with first blast completed
- New underground fleet commissioned to boost operational efficiency
- Workforce expanded to 103, aiming for 150 by March 2026
Funding Milestone Secures Next Phase
West Wits Mining Ltd has taken a significant step forward in its development of the Qala Shallows Gold Project by drawing down US$12.5 million from its US$35 million loan facility with Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II LP. This initial tranche ensures the company is well capitalised to continue underground development and surface infrastructure works as it moves toward production.
The Nebari facility, structured in up to three tranches, provides West Wits with a robust financial platform to execute its plans without immediate capital constraints. This funding milestone underpins the company’s confidence in meeting its operational targets and advancing the project within the world-renowned Witwatersrand Basin.
Operational Progress, From Development to Delivery
Alongside underground progress, West Wits has commissioned new mining equipment, including a 20-tonne dump truck and a 10-tonne Load-Haul-Dump vehicle, enhancing haulage and material movement efficiency. Additional equipment orders are in place to sustain the ramp-up, with deliveries scheduled through early 2026.
Workforce and Infrastructure Expansion
The workforce at Qala Shallows has grown rapidly, now numbering 103 personnel, with plans to increase to approximately 150 by March 2026 and over 1,000 by Year 3 as production scales. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to building a skilled team capable of supporting full-scale operations.
Surface infrastructure developments are progressing well, with completion of the Temporary Workshop and Lamproom, essential for fleet maintenance and workforce support. Preparations for the Explosives Delivery Bay and site terracing are underway, expanding the surface footprint to accommodate the infrastructure needed for steady-state production exceeding 65,000 tonnes per month.
Looking Ahead
West Wits CEO Rudi Deysel emphasised the company’s disciplined approach, stating that the project has moved from development into delivery. With funding secured, operational momentum building, and infrastructure advancing, the company is on track to achieve its first gold pour in March 2026, a pivotal moment that will transition Qala Shallows into a sustainable, high-margin gold operation.
While the project’s production targets include inferred mineral resources, which carry inherent uncertainties, the company’s progress and funding position provide a solid foundation for the next phases of development. Investors and stakeholders will be watching closely as West Wits continues to execute its strategy in one of the world’s most prolific gold regions.
Bottom Line?
West Wits is poised to transform Qala Shallows from a development project into a producing gold mine, with funding and operational milestones aligning ahead of the March 2026 gold pour.
Questions in the middle?
- Will West Wits secure the remaining tranches of the Nebari facility on schedule?
- How will the company manage operational risks associated with inferred mineral resources?
- What impact will workforce expansion have on project timelines and community relations?
