West African Resources Forecasts Record Gold Production in 2026 Driven by Kiaka and Sanbrado Mines
West African Resources to Produce 430,000–490,000 Ounces of Gold in 2026 with Burkina Faso Operations Leading Growth
West African Resources is set for a landmark year in 2026, projecting annual gold production of 430,000 to 490,000 ounces, fueled by its operations in Burkina Faso.
The increase reflects the first full year of output from the Kiaka mine, the country’s largest, alongside continued strong performance from its founding Sanbrado mine.
The company is targeting an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of under $1,900 per ounce, signaling robust margins despite global gold price volatility.
CEO and Chairman Richard Hyde described 2026 as a “landmark year” for the group, highlighting the expected contribution of Kiaka at 240,000–280,000 ounces and Sanbrado at 190,000–210,000 ounces.
Following the announcement, shares in West African Resources rose nearly 5% on the Australian Securities Exchange, reflecting market confidence in the company’s production outlook.
Potential Shareholder Returns
West African Resources also indicated the possibility of maiden shareholder returns in the second half of 2026, including dividends and a share buy-back program.
The announcement underscores the company’s confidence in strong cash flow generation and operational stability.
Kiaka and Sanbrado Mines Anchor Growth
The Kiaka and Sanbrado mines will serve as the backbone of the company’s production strategy. To support growth and extend mine life, West African Resources has allocated $20 million for exploration in 2026, planning over 100,000 metres of drilling across Sanbrado, Kiaka, and surrounding prospects.
The program will target both near-surface anomalies and deeper mineral extensions.
Last year, Kiaka achieved a major milestone with its first gold pour, producing a gold bar weighing 5.7 kilograms (approximately 183 ounces) during an on-site smelting process.
The development came ahead of schedule and under budget, marking a strong start for one of the region’s most significant gold operations.
Rapid Development and Long-Term Ambitions
The first gold production at Kiaka occurred just three and a half years after the acquisition of the project, demonstrating the company’s rapid development capabilities.
Executive Chairman Richard Hyde described the milestone as pivotal to West African Resources’ ambition of producing more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually by 2030.
“Planned production increases from Sanbrado and Kiaka underpin WAF’s goal of becoming a sustainable 500,000-plus ounce gold producer,” Hyde said, reinforcing Burkina Faso’s role as a strategic growth hub in West Africa’s mining sector.
With both mines performing strongly and an active exploration program underway, West African Resources is positioning itself as a leading gold producer in the region, combining high output potential with disciplined cost management.
