Modern Mining June 2019

REGIONAL FOCUS: WEST AFRICA

Sanbrado gold project moves into execution Australia’s West African Resources (WAF), listed on the ASX, has started construction of its US$186 million, high-margin Sanbrado gold mine in Burkina Faso. A combined open-pit and underground operation, Sanbrado is due to pour its first gold in Q3-2020. It will be a substantial mine, with an average annual production of 217 000 ounces over its first five years of mine life and just over 300 000 ounces in its first year.

A lthough early works construction started in the final quar- ter of last year, the ground-breaking ceremony to officially launch the project took place in May this year. Speaking at the event, Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Christophe Dabiré, said Sanbrado further established Burkina Faso’s credentials as a mining country, with mining adding to the state budget and contributing to local development as well as the country’s Mining Fund. The Fund has been established to ensure that there are direct ben- efits for communities in areas where mines are located. Owned 90 % by WAF with the Government of Burkina Faso holding a 10 % free-carried interest, the Sanbrado project is located approximately 90 km east-southeast of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, and covers an aggregate area of 116 km 2 , consisting of a granted mining per- mit and a granted exploration licence. Previously known as Tanlouka,

The camp, clinic and administration buildings at Sanbrado.

34  MODERN MINING  June 2019