West African Resources, an Australia-listed mining company, has achieved a major milestone with the first gold pour at its Kiaka mine in Burkina Faso—delivered ahead of schedule and below budget projections. This marks the beginning of what’s expected to become one of the region’s top gold producers, with ambitions to exceed 500,000 ounces annually by 2030. The success highlights growing investor confidence in the country’s mining sector, even amid geopolitical complexities. The achievement comes as Burkina Faso moves to reclaim economic control of its mines through sweeping reforms, such as raising state stakes, mandating local processing, and cracking down on illicit exports. With a national gold refinery underway and tighter regulations, the country is setting an ambitious blueprint for converting mineral resources into long-term development gains.
Business Insider Africa
