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The official opening of Qala Shallows underground gold mine 15 minutes west of the Golden City of Johannesburg marks the start of a new growth chapter for South African gold mining, West Wits CEO Rudi Deysel highlighted on Thursday.

As South Africa's first underground gold mine in 15 years, Qala is demonstrating that South Africa can still build safe, modern underground operations that generate long-term value for the economy and local communities, Deysel emphasised.

The mine is expected to contribute more than $1.15-billion to the national economy over its 17-year life-of-mine, supported by a steady-state production profile of 70 000 ounces a year for 12 years.

It will also create more than 1 000 direct jobs as part of the first phase of the broader Witwatersrand Basin Project, with positions sourced from local communities, and will support wider economic activity through local procurement, enterprise development and community partnerships.

Progression has been rapid since team mobilisation in July 2025, delivering first ore to surface in October 2025 and establishing the underground infrastructure needed for production.

A growing surface stockpile is already in place and is expected to reach 30 000 t ahead of the first gold scheduled for March 2026.

The opening of Qala also marks a major milestone for the Australian-listed West Wits, transitioning the company from a developer into a producer and reinforcing its long-term commitment to South Africa.

The mine forms the first phase of the company's broader Witwatersrand Basin Project, which hosts a resource of more than five-million ounces and provides a multi-decade foundation for growth.

The next stages of development, including planned expansion into areas such as Bird Reef Central, are expected to build on Qala's' momentum and strengthen the company's long-term production profile.

West Wits' long-term aspiration, known as Project 200, is to grow into a 200 000 oz/y producer through the disciplined and sustainable development of additional mining areas.

The project creates lasting socio-economic value for its host communities and for the country.

"For years, many believed the Central Rand had reached the end of its mining life, but Qala shows that with rigorous geological work, clear planning and disciplined execution, as well as robust cooperation between government and business, new underground gold mines can still be developed in this district.

"The Witwatersrand built Johannesburg and shaped our economy, and it still holds substantial potential for the future.

"This project would not have been possible without the support of government, our lenders, our host communities and our industry partners. Together we've brought a new mine to life in one of the world's most historic gold districts, and today Qala starts a fresh chapter for the Witwatersrand and for South African gold mining," added Deysel at the event covered by Mining Weekly.

The event was attended by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, government representatives, Australian High Commissioner Tegan Brink, Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, West Wits chairperson Michael Quinert and community leaders, investors, and industry partners.