West African Resources is gearing up for a significant milestone in 2026, projecting annual gold output of 430,000 to 490,000 ounces, largely supported by its operations in Burkina Faso.
This anticipated growth is attributed to the first full year of production from the Kiaka mine, the largest in the country, alongside sustained strong performance at its flagship Sanbrado mine.
The company aims to keep its all-in sustaining cost (AISC) below $1,900 per ounce, indicating healthy profit margins despite fluctuations in global gold prices.
As reported by Miningmx, CEO and chairman Richard Hyde referred to 2026 as a “landmark year,” emphasizing the combined output from Kiaka—expected to deliver between 240,000 and 280,000 ounces—and Sanbrado, which is projected to contribute 190,000 to 210,000 ounces.
Investor confidence was evident as shares of West African Resources rose by nearly 5% on the Australian Securities Exchange following the announcement.
The firm also hinted at possible initial returns to shareholders, including dividends and a share buy-back program in the latter half of the year, reflecting strong cash flow expectations and operational confidence.
Kiaka and Sanbrado Mines to Anchor Growth
An investment of $20 million has been earmarked for exploration activities in 2026, with plans to drill over 100,000 metres across Sanbrado, Kiaka, and nearby prospects. The initiative will focus on both shallow targets and deeper extensions to prolong mine life and drive future expansion.
In the previous year, the company achieved a key milestone at the Kiaka project by producing its first gold bar, weighing 5.7 kilograms (around 183.3 ounces), through on-site smelting.
West African Resources noted that this achievement was completed ahead of schedule and below budget, marking a promising beginning for what is expected to become one of the region’s major gold-producing assets.
Executive Chairman Richard Hyde described the first gold pour at Kiaka as a “major milestone,” underscoring the company’s ambition to exceed 500,000 ounces of annual production by 2030.
The initial gold output was achieved just three and a half years after acquiring the Kiaka project, highlighting the rapid development progress.
Hyde added that planned increases in production from both Sanbrado and Kiaka will support the company’s objective of becoming a sustainable producer of more than 500,000 ounces annually, reinforcing Burkina Faso’s importance as a growing hub in West Africa’s mining industry.