West Wits Mining (WWI) RIU Explorers Conference 2026 summary
Event summary combining transcript, slides, and related documents.
RIU Explorers Conference 2026 summary
17 Feb, 2026Project development and production status
Qala Shallows underground mine in the Witwatersrand Basin is transitioning from exploration to production, with first ore delivered in October and first gold production targeted for March 2026.
This is South Africa's first new underground gold mine in 15 years, drawing significant media and industry attention.
The project is fully funded to steady-state production, supported by a $51M cash balance, senior debt facilities, and institutional placements.
Gold pour is scheduled for next month, using established South African mining methods and modern technology.
The Qala Shallows Project is in stage one, targeting steady-state production of 70,000 ounces per year over a 17-year mine life.
Financials and funding
Recent capital raises include AUD 33 million in January and a $10M placement by Tribeca, with strong institutional support.
Market capitalization has risen to approximately $350 million, reflecting increased investor confidence.
Two funding options secured: a $50 million bank facility in South Africa and a proposal from Nebari Natural Resources Fund in New York.
Project underwent a rigorous six-month due diligence process by independent parties and banks.
Updated DFS (July 2025) projects $2.7B revenue, $983M free cash flow, $500M post-tax NPV, and 81% IRR at $2,850/oz gold price.
Resource base and growth plans
The company holds a 74% interest in the Witwatersrand Basin Project, with a 7.24Moz @ 4.0g/t gold resource as of February 2026.
Mining area has produced over 31 million ounces historically; current resource is 7.2 million ounces at 4g/t, with potential to expand.
Qala Shallows Project utilizes only 1 million ounces of the current resource, with further growth expected through de-watering and exploration.
Project 200 aims to expand production capacity to 200,000oz per annum, with a scoping study underway and completion targeted for June 2026.
Bird Reef Central project offers dual gold-uranium potential, with a funded exploration program targeting a declared uranium resource.
Latest events from West Wits Mining
- Qala Shallows is production-ready with financing in progress, but going concern risks remain.WWI
H2 202427 Mar 2026 - Secured major funding, advanced Qala Shallows, and posted a $3.68m FY25 loss with strong cash reserves.WWI
H2 202527 Mar 2026 - Fully funded gold project with 7.24Moz resource, strong economics, and first gold in March 2026.WWI
Investor presentation8 Feb 2026 - Qala Shallows reached first underground ore production and secured full funding for gold output in 2026.WWI
Q2 2026 TU23 Jan 2026 - Capital raise, improved DFS, and active promotion set stage for October production start.WWI
AGM 202523 Nov 2025 - Production ramps up with robust funding, strong returns, and 70,000oz/year target from 2028.WWI
Noosa Mining Investor Conference17 Nov 2025 - First ore produced at Qala Shallows, fully funded to Q1 2026 gold pour, with strong DFS metrics.WWI
Q1 2026 TU7 Nov 2025 - Project funding secured and updated DFS reveal major economic improvements and mobilisation progress.WWI
Q4 2025 TU5 Oct 2025 - 5Moz gold resource, 81% IRR, and first gold pour targeted for Q1 2026 at Qala Shallows.WWI
Investor Presentation2 Oct 2025