\n The surge reflects the first full year of output from the Kiaka mine, the country\u2019s largest, alongside continued strong performance at its founding Sanbrado mine.\n <\/p>\n
\n According to Miningmx, CEO and chairman Richard Hyde described 2026 as a \u201clandmark year\u201d for the group, highlighting the combined contribution of Kiaka, expected to produce 240,000\u2013280,000 ounces, and Sanbrado, adding 190,000\u2013210,000 ounces.\n <\/p>\n
\n Shares in West African Resources responded positively, gaining nearly 5% on the Australian Securities Exchange following the announcement.\n <\/p>\n
Kiaka and Sanbrado Mines to Anchor Growth<\/p>\n
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\n 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.\n <\/p>\n
\n Last year, West African Resources reached a major milestone at its Kiaka gold project, producing its first gold bar weighing 5.7 kilograms<\/a>, or approximately 183.3 ounces, during an on-site smelting process.\n <\/p>\n \n 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\u2019s most significant gold operations.\n <\/p>\n \n Executive Chairman Richard Hyde described the first gold pour from the Kiaka mine as \u201ca major milestone\u201d in the company\u2019s ambition to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually by 2030.\n <\/p>\n