ASX- and OTCQB-listed West Wits Mining is advancing through the mobilisation phase at its flagship Qala Shallows project, in South Africa, as the team progresses toward first gold production, the company said in an update issued on August 4.

West Wits has now started the transfer of previously stockpiled ore to the Ezulwini processing plant under an agreement with multinational mining and metals processing group Sibanye-Stillwater.

The material is being transported by an external contractor and stacked at a designated storage pad made available for exclusive use by the plant. Subject to final funding, stockpiling is expected to continue through to the first half of 2026, after which processing of the ore will begin, culminating in the first gold pour.

Mobilisation of contractors to the Qala Shallows site began in June. This marked a significant milestone in the company’s transition from early works to project execution, West Wits said.

The phase includes the establishment of permanent mine infrastructure to support the project’s steady-state production target of 65 000 t a month run-of-mine, aimed at producing an average of 70 000 oz/y of gold over a 12-year period.

The company has already completed the refurbishment of the existing boxcut and decline, allowing immediate access to underground ore. This early work has enabled an efficient ramp-up to mining operations following the mobilisation of contractors.

Key suppliers and contractors have started mobilisation and delivery of equipment and services. Solrock Mining Services and Bara Consulting are leading the project management and execution.

RHAM Equipment delivered the first load haul dump unit at the end of June, while HPE HydroPower delivered the first training power pack mid-July.

Explosives supplied by AECI are planned for sliping work beginning in August. GST Supplies is expected to deliver a drill rig by the end of September, to support the start of production in October.

Further progress includes the initiation of surface survey and geotechnical investigations in early July. These investigations are intended to inform the design and construction of surface infrastructure. Diesel generators were commissioned in mid-July to provide power for underground ventilation and operations during the initial 11 months.

West Wits said detailed design is ongoing for major work packages, including bulk power supply and long-lead infrastructure items.

Key mobilisation activities include on-site surveying and geolocation by technical teams, the installation of critical infrastructure such as fuel and fluid storage systems and the preparation of operational support areas.

Following the conclusion of the current mobilisation phase, which is expected to run from July to September, and subject to final funding, the Qala Shallows project will begin producing ore from the first production blast.

A targeted 30 000 t stockpile will be built over a six-month period to support continuous feed to the Ezulwini plant and ensure stable processing during the production ramp-up phase.