Key Points
- Rudi Deysel appointed as new CEO to lead West Wits Mining.
- Qala project set to create 1,000 jobs with 70,000 ounces yearly production.
- Deysel has over 22 years of mining experience across various commodities.
West Wits Mining, a gold mining company developing assets west of Johannesburg, has appointed Rudi Deysel as its new CEO. Deysel, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), will lead the execution of the Witwatersrand Basin Project (WBP) as it moves forward with its flagship Qala Shallows development.
The WBP, which includes the development of the Main, Kimberley, and Bird reefs, has a declared gold resource of 4.28 million ounces, offering strong revenue potential over the project’s 27-year life-of-mine (LoM).
The Qala development, located on the Kimberley reef near Soweto, is expected to generate approximately 1,000 jobs during its life. Further job creation is anticipated as the WBP project expands.
CEO outlines plans for sustainable mining and long-term growth
“We’re on the brink of a transformative phase for the company,” Deysel said in a statement. “Over the course of my career, I’ve worked on numerous mining projects, but this one stands out for its solid technical and financial foundations.”
A key update to the project came in July 2023 when the company finalized a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for Qala, estimating a gold production of 924,000 ounces during its expected life. The project’s steady-state annual production is forecast at about 70,000 ounces.
Once project funding is secured, Qala is expected to be a catalyst for the company’s long-term growth. Deysel added that his priority is to drive the company’s strategy, execute the development plan, and create long-term value for shareholders.
According to a report by Mining Weekly, Deysel has played an instrumental role in advancing the DFS and early-stage mining activities for Qala. He has also led the process for securing a first-tier bank debt facility for the company.
Based in Johannesburg, Deysel brings over 22 years of experience in mining production and project development across various commodities, including gold, platinum group metals, copper, and cobalt.
He has held senior roles in several prominent mining companies, including Galiano Gold, ERG Africa, Murray & Roberts Cementation, and Anglo Platinum.
WBP is situated in South Africa’s central Rand goldfield within the Witwatersrand basin, a region that has produced more than 1.5 billion ounces of gold over the years.
Qala will leverage mechanization to extract ore within the constraints of the deposit, including the use of electrohydraulic and hydropower equipment to establish a “green” gold mine.
The project will also explore sustainable technologies, such as battery-powered vehicles and solar power, to reduce its environmental impact.
The existing decline shaft at the site will allow for early ore extraction. The project’s all-inclusive sustaining costs are expected to be around $871 per ounce once steady-state production is achieved.
