Gold miner West African Resources is aiming to become a sustainable 500 000 oz/y producer by 2029, underpinned by strong operational performance from its Sanbrado and Kiaka operations in Burkina Faso.

CEO Richard Hyde said on Wednesday that while the company would ultimately consider opportunities across the “west coast of Africa to the west coast of Australia”, its focus for the next 12 to 18 months would be optimising its existing assets and paying down debt.

“We really need to focus on bedding down the projects, make as much money as we can, and pay down debt,” he told delegates on the last day of the Diggers and Dealers mining conference in Kalgoorlie.

“We have got about $250-million in debt, which is not a lot considering the size of the company now, but the opportunity is to get Kiaka hitting its straps and drill out the targets we have already got — not complicate the business with new development projects.”

West African recently poured first gold at the Kiaka project, its second operating mine, which is ramping up to nameplate production of about 250 000 oz/y. With Sanbrado contributing about 300 000 oz/y at peak, Hyde said the company was on track to hit nearly 570 000 oz in 2029, before settling into a long-term sustainable rate of 500 000 oz/y.

A new ten-year production outlook released on Wednesday supports this goal, projecting 4.8-million ounces produced over the next decade, with several years exceeding the half-million-ounce mark. The plan is based on just 3% on resources and reserves, which Hyde said leaves significant upside potential.

“We have assumed fairly conservative metrics,” he said.

“With targeted drilling at M1 South, the M5 South underground, and extensions at M5 North, plus the addition of secondary crushing capacity at both Sanbrado and Kiaka, we believe we can maintain high throughput rates.”

West African is undertaking 200 000 m of drilling over the next two years using its own fleet of drill rigs. Hyde highlighted the company’s exploration success at M1 South, noting recent results of 44 m at 25.4 g/t, 44.5 m at 17.1 g/t, 38.5 m at 17.4 g/t and 21.5 m at 24 g/t.

“It is a very attractive orebody. When you are underground, you can actually see it.”

The company has also brought forward underground planning at M5 South and the Toega deposit, which is being integrated into the life-of-mine plan.

Despite operating in a challenging jurisdiction – with Burkina Faso experiencing two coups since 2021 – West African has delivered its second project, Kiaka, under budget and ahead of schedule. The mine is currently operating at about 50% throughput. The company is waiting for the connection to grid power, expected in the September quarter.

“There is enormous potential once we get to full throughput.”

West African has contributed more than $350-million to the Burkina Faso economy since 2020 and remains committed to operating as a majority-indigenous employer, with 93% of its nearly 3 000-strong workforce drawn from the local population.

“We believe we are the best mine builders in the world,” Hyde said. “We have consistently met or beaten guidance, and we have done it while investing heavily in local communities, safety and training.”

Hyde also noted that West African is unhedged, with 6.5-million ounces in reserves and 12.2-million ounces in resources. “At today’s gold price, with our margins, you can do the maths,” Hyde quipped.

“We are in a strong position to grow production, reduce debt, and deliver value.”