Wedoany.com Report-Dec.5, South Africa's first new underground gold mine in 15 years officially opened on Thursday on the western edge of Johannesburg. Australia-listed West Wits Mining Ltd celebrated the milestone at its Qala Shallows project, which produced its first ore in October and is currently building a 30,000-tonne surface stockpile.

The $90 million development is targeting steady-state production of approximately 70,000 ounces of gold per year. Although modest in scale, the mine represents a positive development for South Africa's gold industry, which has seen output decline more than 70% over the past two decades as older, deeper operations face higher costs.

West Wits described the project as evidence that South Africa "can still build safe, modern underground operations that generate long-term value for the economy and local communities."

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand within its broader concession area with the goal of increasing annual production to 200,000 ounces.

Qala Shallows begins commercial operations during a strong gold price environment, with the metal having risen nearly 60% this year and repeatedly reaching new record highs. The favourable market conditions are expected to support the project's economic viability and contribute to sustained activity in the region's mining sector.