The opening of Qala Shallows marks the start of a new growth chapter for South African gold mining, demonstrating that the country can still build safe, modern underground operations that generate long-term value for the economy and local communities.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony west of Johannesburg, West Wits CEO and Group MD Rudi Deysel said the project – South Africa’s first underground gold mine in 15 years – was built to create lasting socio-economic value for its host communities and for the country.
The event was attended by [Minister of Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe / government representatives], the Australian High Commissioner, the Minerals Council of South Africa, community leaders, investors, industry partners and members of the media.
“For years, many believed the Central Rand had reached the end of its mining life, but Qala Shallows 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,” said Deysel.
Qala Shallows is expected to contribute more than US$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 per year for 12 years. The mine 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.
Qala Shallows has progressed rapidly 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 tonnes ahead of the first gold scheduled for March 2026. The opening of
Qala Shallows 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 Shallows’ 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-ounce-per-year producer through the disciplined and sustainable development of additional mining areas.
“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 Shallows starts a fresh chapter for the Witwatersrand and for South African gold mining,” said Deysel.