West African Resources Unveils Promising Underground Potential at Sanbrado Gold Project
On a positive note, ASX-listed West African Resources has announced optimistic results from its resource estimation and scoping studies. These results are significantly important for a potential underground development beneath the Toega open pit mine at its Sanbrado Gold production centre in Burkina Faso. Moreover, these findings emphasised the project’s potential to not only expand the Gold production but also extend the mine’s life.
A maiden underground resource estimate for Toega has identified 4.9 million tonnes of ore. Which contains approximately 560,000 ounces of Gold. This in fact is considered as a green light of transition from open pit mine to underground mining operations.
The development of underground scoping study of Toega clearly mirrored the strong production metrics, averaging 81,000 ounces per year, during years 2 through 6 of the operation. Besides, the underground project is expected to add 515,000 of Gold to Toega’s total production over a seven-year mine life. Thus, the pre-production capital is estimated at $42 million, which makes it a cost-effective expansion opportunity. Notably, the Toega resource remains open at depth, indicating the potential for further exploration success and resource growth.
Secondary Crushing Study Aims to Boost Throughput
Aiming to increase the processing plant’s fresh one throughput, West African Resources is investiigating opportunities to enhance operational efficiency at Sanbrado, through a secondary crushing study. This could significantly increase the overall Gold production.
Additionally, the combination of Toega underground project and secondary crushing at Sanbrado is expected to increase the operation’s overall Gold production, with a significant percentage of 50%. Raising the output to approximately 300,000 ounces per year.
Long-Life Projects and Strategic Growth Initiatives
Executive Chairperson Richard Hyde emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainable growth, stating:
“West African’s projects are long-life, with Sanbrado plus ten years and Kiaka 20 years. We are actively looking at opportunities to reduce costs and increase Gold production through targeted drilling and capital works programmes. Including connecting to grid power and secondary crushing at our projects as we aim to be sustainable plus-500,000 oz/year Gold producer within 5 years.” Read more on this topic.
