23.12.2025
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Economic boost for the West Rand as Qala Shallows opens doors

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  • Qala Shallows Gold Mine operated by West Wits Mining.

A new underground gold mine opened in the West Rand of Johannesburg, promises to create 1 000 jobs while engaging with communities, rather than operating around them.

Qala Shallows is a modern underground operation that’s being developed as a shallow mine, with mining planned from level 2 to a maximum depth of around 850 metres.

The new mine was officially unveiled in Roodepoort. Qala Shallows plans to produce 70 000 ounces of gold per year, with a life of roughly 17 years and a total of about one million ounces expected over that period.

The CEO of West Wits Mining Rudi Deysel says the first gold will be produced in the first quarter of 2026.

Qala Shallows will process ore through Sibanye-Stillwater’s Ezulwini plant under a toll-treatment arrangement. The project has secured funding through 32 million Australian dollars raised on the Australian Securities Exchange, R875 million senior debt facility, and the 12.5 million US dollars Nebari loan.

“As phase one of the broader witwatersrand basin project, qala shallows will create more than 1,000 jobs, most sourced directly from our host communities. As operations expand, our workforce and supplier base will grow with it. We prioritise local procurement and continue to grow our bee vendor base, supporting small and medium enterprises that can participate meaningfully in the value chain. Our philosophy is simple and unwavering: We believe in mining ‘with’ communities, not ‘around’ them. This means engaging openly, listening, and working together as the project grows. It means making sure that opportunities are meaningful, practical and aligned with the long-term needs of the region. Our aim is to support lasting economic participation that strengthens the local economy over time,” says West Wits Mining CEO, Rudi Deysel.

The CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, Mzila Mthenjane emphasises the importance of Gold mining in the broader mining industry despite dwindling productions levels. Mthenjane says the new mine will ignite new investor confidence.

Mthenjane adds, “West Mine has committed to working hand in hand with the community… and protecting the environment.”

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe has commended this move saying this is a milestone that signals renewed growth and new opportunities in the mining industry.

“To me mining is not measured according to the gdp contribution, it is measured according to foreign earnings. It is the most transforming sector in the economy…that’s what I’m expected,” says Minister of Mineral And Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe.

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