West Wits - Mining Outlook - Issue 12

EXPERT MINE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

PROCURING PROSPECTS PRECIOUS

West Wits Mining is building a new legacy in gold mining, combining exploration, strategic development, and responsible production across South Africa and Australia. We dig beneath the surface with CEO, Rudi Deysel

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

The boundless mining industry in South Africa (SA) has traditionally centred on the extraction of gold and diamonds, and whilst the sector has declined from its historical peaks, mining remains a significant national priority, notorious for its production of platinum, manganese, chrome, and other minerals. Today, the industry faces numerous challenges from

ageing infrastructure, high operating costs, and declining demand, contributing to a loss of jobs and the rise of illegal, gang-controlled mining.

However, despite these issues, the sector is still a vital source of revenue and employment across SA. Amid these realities, junior mining companies are emerging as agile, innovative players able to carve opportunity out of complexity.

Within this vast and evolving landscape, West Wits Mining (West Wits) is actively mobilising to bring a new era of gold mining development to Johannesburg, guided by a clear focus on responsible exploration, disciplined project execution and long-term community and shareholder value.

“At present, there are many examples of junior mining companies beginning to assert themselves within the

African mining space as some of the largest players have diversified and moved into alternative international markets,” introduces Rudi Deysel, CEO.

“We see ourselves as a team of professional miners who strive for the highest possible standards. The responsibility we take, exploration and planning work we do, and quality of our operations continue to set us apart,” he sets out.

Front row from the right:

PERFORMING FOR IMPACT

• Thembeka Phateng – Business Sustainability Manager

• Fikile Rammego – Admin Manager

• Sam Molefi – Managing Director

• Motlapele Molefi – Executive Director

• Basetsana Molobye – HR Superintendent

Back row from the right:

• Patrick Kave – HR Manager

• Chris Jonker – Technical Director

• Tshepo Marobane – Chief Operating Officer

• David Sebe – Head of Commercial

• Witness Chiungwa – Finance Manager

Please introduce us to Modi Mining.

Modi Mining is an awardwinning South African-owned company providing contract mining services for both underground and opencast mining. We operate primarily in the North West, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng Provinces, with a growing footprint across South Africa (SA). Our clients include established mining houses that trust us to deliver safe, efficient, and quality services on every project. The company employs around 1,300 employees across all our operations, with

the team comprising skilled professionals and support staff, ensuring that we bring both technical expertise and employment opportunities to the communities in which we operate.

How has Modi Mining grown into a reputable player in the primary and secondary sectors with mature capabilities in contract mining and civil works?

From humble beginnings, Modi Mining has expanded into both the primary and secondary sectors of mining. We built our reputation through consistent delivery of contract mining services such as drilling, blasting, load and haul, and material handling. Over time, we matured into civil engineering works, making us a multifaceted business partner. Our ability to integrate these offerings under one roof has positioned us as a reliable, cost-effective, and innovative service provider.

What, for you, differentiates Modi Mining from the competition?

What sets us apart is our combination of safety culture,

technical capability, and community focus. We don’t just provide services — we build long-term partnerships anchored in trust and performance. Our investment in enterprise and supplier development, employee training, and community upliftment initiatives ensures that every project leaves a positive footprint. Few competitors can match this holistic approach of operational excellence aligned with social responsibility.

Can you tell us more about your mission of being a catalyst for positive change by offering services and products of the highest quality and value?

Modi Mining has recently developed a new company ethos, which is a true reflection of our evolving values, priorities, and responsibilities in response to the changing and developing environment in which we operate. The new mission - “To be a supplier of the highest-quality, cost- effective products and services in our industry whilst honouring the dignity and safety of our employees, environment, and the broader

society in positive and enduring ways” - speaks to our purpose of building long-term resilience and impact by being purpose and stakeholderdriven, providing sustainable and innovative solutions to our clients and encouraging a collaborative and inclusive internal and external culture. We see mining not just as an economic activity but as a platform to empower communities and contribute to SA’s inclusive growth.

Could you elaborate on your partnership with West Wits? How long have you worked together, and what is the nature of your partnership

Our partnership with West Wits is a cornerstone of our growth story. We have worked together since the launch of the West Wits Mining Project in 2021, where Modi Mining has been entrusted with early works and has now been awarded a five-year contract to safely develop the underground workings and extract gold-bearing ore

(Turnkey hybrid underground mining services).

The partnership between Modi Mining and West Wits constitutes a strategic alliance that integrates the supply of experienced leadership, highly specialised skills and expertise, operational capabilities, mutual respect, aligned values, and a shared commitment to safety and sustainability of the project.

How do the two companies mutually benefit each other, and what complementary strengths do you bring?

The partnership works because West Wits provides the resource base, mining equipment, and strategic vision, whilst Modi Mining delivers the operational capacity, local insight, and technical expertise to bring projects to life. West Wits benefits from our proven ability to execute efficiently and responsibly, whilst we benefit from the opportunity to scale, diversify, and continuously improve. Together, we create value not only for our companies but also for surrounding communities.

Are there any recent projects that you would like to highlight?

One of our key recent highlights is the construction of a 105,000 square metre Co-Disposal Facility at one of the local mines in Rustenburg, where Modi

Mining is responsible for providing specialised civil services that meet strict safety, environmental, and engineering standards. In addition to this service offering, through our Enterprise and Supplier Development programmes, we have equipped an emerging local business with technical and administrative skills, offered by our skilled personnel, as well as branding and marketing material to expand their current operations. These projects reflect both our technical excellence and our commitment to building a sustainable mining ecosystem.

Please tell us more about your safety initiatives and corporate social responsibility practices.

SIPHO, our Safety Mascot

It is our endeavour that after every shift, our workers return home to their loved ones safely without any harm. Continuous innovation through initiatives such as our safety mascot SIPHO ensures that we drive safety awareness across our workforce. In our organisation, we define SIPHO as (Safety first, Improvement of safety standards, Planning and wearing correct PPE, Health and hygeine in all areas, and Obeying operating procedures).

Our ESG Initiatives

We view ourselves as one with the communities we operate in. In referencing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, we draw upon two of our foundational values: care and winning with the people, which guide our approach to responsible and inclusive business practices. Our goal is to always create shared value and leave a positive footprint in the communities we touch.

Modi Mining’s Key CSR Projects:

• Technogirls – We play a pivotal role in shaping future innovators, thinkers, and leaders through our

annual absorption of high school learners to mentor them, thus bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application of STEM fields.

• Blanket Drives – Our blanket drives promote warmth, comfort, and care within our communities, serving as a heartfelt reminder that Modi Mining is committed to the well-being of its people.

• Back to School Initiatives –We participate in initiatives like school shoes and stationery drives, which contribute meaningfully to fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Early works (including

Rustenburg Office (Head Office)

58 Brink Street

Rustenburg, 0299

Tel: +27 (0)14 592 1560

Fax: +27 (0)86 547 3593

Email: info@modimining.co.za

Middelburg Office

Farm Rietfontein 416

Portion 8, Uitkyk

Middelburg, 1050

Tel: +27 (0)13 007 1359

Fax: +27 (0)86 547 3589

Email: info@modimining.co.za

www.modimining.co.za

BUILDING A CAREER

Having meticulously worked his way into the upper echelons of the industry through a variety of positions over the last 25 years, Deysel holds degrees in geophysics and mining engineering from the University of Pretoria and has also obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA), which has helped shape his career to date.

As a result, he now boasts extensive production experience in conventional narrow tabular underground mining, as well as open cast operations and various mining commodities including gold, platinum group metals (PGMs), copper, and cobalt.

structured space for inclusive transparent dialogue, ensuring residents are actively engaged and directly benefit from opportunities created by our projects.

WHAT DOES THE WORD RESPONSIBILITY REPRESENT FOR WEST WITS?

Rudi Deysel, CEO: “We take environmental responsibility extremely seriously. As part of this, we always aim to give back to the local people around us, as ultimately, the resources and reserves are part of SA’s collective inheritance. We view ourselves as custodians, not just extractors, and that includes being accountable to the people whose lives are intertwined with these lands.

“By creating formal platforms for dialogue, we help dismantle historical mistrust and build collaborative pathways for shared value.

“Through our Local Economic Development (LED) Programme, we work in partnership with the City of Johannesburg to host community ward forums. These provide a

“Our aim is to responsibly uplift the local area and people we work with in terms of providing job opportunities, business potential, and even creating other small enterprises in the community around us.

“We are very fortunate and lucky to be situated where we are in Johannesburg, with so many great opportunities that we can encourage and contribute to.

“There’s a lot of focus from our side to support these people and help them reach a point where they can also reap the benefits of our broader operations and local projects, which we believe they are entitled to.”

“Mining is in my blood. My fatherin-law is also a mining engineer and studied at the same university as me before taking some impressive senior positions in big corporations across SA. I’m lucky to have that mentor on my doorstep to learn from.

“I’ve also always seen myself as a people person and decided early on that I was more interested in managing operations and navigating the production side of the business,” he recalls.

As a result, Deysel previously managed several brown and greenfield mining projects in SA, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Ghana, which added to his vast scope of experience across mine development, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, and execution operations.

Mining Africa’s future through legal expertise

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At Alchemy, we are more than legal advisors – we are partners in shaping Africa’s mining future. As a niche team of internationally recognised and globally ranked lawyers, we bring deep technical knowledge and crossborder expertise to guide clients through the most complex transactions in the sector.

Our track record speaks for itself: from managing landmark, first-of-its-kind deals to advising on some of the largest mining transactions on the continent, we deliver pertinent and productive outcomes that are commercially sound, innovative, and strategically valuable.

A different kind of law firm

By favouring innovation over tradition, we offer transparency, flexibility, and a solutions-focused approach. Where it enhances outcomes, we leverage cutting-edge technology, but our real strength lies in our understanding of our clients’ strategies, our ability to anticipate challenges and position our clients for success. As lead counsel, we operate seamlessly across multiple jurisdictions, giving mining clients and investors confidence that their interests are protected, no matter where they do business. Our expertise spans the full spectrum of legal disciplines critical to the mining sector allowing us to deliver holistic, commercially integrated solutions.

Bespoke mining expertise

Africa’s mining landscape is as complex as it is promising. From shifting regulations and compliance challenges to new models of financing and

“Alchemy Law’s strategic legal guidance was pivotal in structuring a unique funding solution for our new gold mining venture in the Witwatersrand Basin. Their holistic and proactive approach to project strategy, coupled with practical solutions, has positioned the Qala Shallows project to deliver new ounces and strong economic returns — making a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s economy and revitalising its gold mining sector.”

- Rudi Deysel, CEO, West Wits Mining

ever-evolving ESG expectations, navigating this environment demands more than legal knowledge –it requires in-depth industry insight.

Our mining, minerals and natural resources team has extensive experience advising across the sector and is well-positioned to support clients in:

• Public and private mergers and acquisitions

Project finance and establishing acquisition facilities

• Due diligence

• Broad-based black economic empowerment transactions

Policy and regulation, including the South African Mining Charter

• Royalty and alternative financing structures

• Competition-related matters

Leveraged and management buyouts

• Asset-based financing for mining equipment

• Debt and equity funding

• Dispute resolution

Why Alchemy?

We understand that mining is more than just about extracting value from the ground – it is about creating sound, long-term economic and social impact. Our role is to help clients unlock opportunities, mitigate risks, and achieve sustainable growth in a sector that remains one of Africa’s most vital economic drivers.

With Alchemy at your side, you gain a legal partner who is committed to providing clarity in complexity and delivering results that matter. We can assist you. Get in touch.

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WEST WITS LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME

West Wits is building the next generation of South African miners. As it mobilises the Qala Shallows project, the company remains committed to creating a pipeline of skilled talent from within its myriad host communities.

Through the West Wits Learnership Programme, young people will gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to play an active role in the future of mining in SA.

This exciting initiative represents an opportunity to upskill, grow, and be part of a project that is shaping the next chapter of the Witwatersrand Basin.

Furthermore, West Wits is committed to creating a positive social impact in the communities where it operates and its approach combines meaningful community engagement, responsible procurement, and ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure long-term, shared benefits for all.

“IT’S A GREAT STORY TO BE ABLE TO SAY WE OPENED THE COUNTRY’S FIRST UNDERGROUND GOLD MINE IN 15 YEARS”

– RUDI DEYSEL, CEO, WEST WITS MINING

AFRICAN AND AUSTRALIAN OPERATIONS

West Wits currently splits its focus between two major projects. Firstly, the Witwatersrand Basin Project (WBP) in SA is proudly regarded as the company’s flagship operation.

The iconic basin holds the world’s largest known gold reserves and has produced over 1.5 billion ounces to date, which represents about 22 percent of all the gold accounted for above the surface.

Today, the WBP is made up of three reef mining targets which will be developed sequentially – Kimberley Reef, Main Reef, and Bird Reef.

“I would describe us as Africa-driven with a growing international footprint, and we see strong potential for continued growth through our projects in both SA and Australia.”

“The WBP is set to transform West Wits into a long-term gold producer,” Deysel remarks.

Elsewhere, West Wits’ other key undertaking is the Mt Cecelia Project, located on the border of the East Pilbara and Paterson provinces of Western Australia (WA).

This represents a fresh start and a new mining area that is generating significant industry excitement around its recent positive prospecting results.

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Lesedi Drilling specialises in exploration and cover drilling, delivering precise core samples essential for mine planning, mineral assessment, reef location, and ore quality.

Our expertise guarantees accuracy, safety, and efficiency in every drilling operation. We provide innovative surface and underground exploration diamond drilling, with highly experienced, safety-driven teams applying advanced technologies for reliable results.

For more than 23 years, Lesedi has delivered safe, superior drilling services, utilising locally manufactured drilling consumables to leading mining houses.

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The project encompasses 225 square kilometres of highly prospective ground, strategically located adjacent to tenements held by Rio Tinto.

“At this point, we’re basically part of a joint venture (JV) with Rio Tinto whereby their drilling work focuses more on base metals, and we maintain our long-term focus on gold procurement,” he tells us.

“As a 100 percent-owned greenfield project, Mt Cecelia is in many ways a mirror image of the rejuvenation of the WBP. It is a fundamentally attractive exploration project with every prospect of establishing itself as a profitable long-term operation for the company.”

QALA SHALLOWS

West Wits is currently sharpening its focus on the Qala Shallows mine – the first phase of the WBP – a South African gold development transitioning from early-stage construction to full-scale production, with first gold targeted for the first half of 2026.

Named appropriately, the word ’qala’ means to start anew, providing an excellent metaphor for West Wits’ rejuvenation of an established resource in one of the world’s most historic gold mining cities.

“We need to make sure we can walk before we run. It’s therefore a priority for us to get this site in operation so we can create good cash flow and start building revenue for the company which will, in turn, lead to enhanced opportunities moving forwards,” Deysel states.

The shallow, underground mine will effectively utilise contract mining and existing processing facilities, with recent funding rounds securing the necessary capital to advance the project to a profitable, steady-state operation.

West Wits proudly leverages regional manufacturers, suppliers, equipment, and contractors for this project, which empowers not only the business as a proudly Australian-listed, South African company, but the nation as a whole.

“It’s a great story to be able to say we opened the country’s first underground gold mine in 15 years.

“Our view is that there are more great opportunities to capitalise on in Africa with plenty of hidden treasure out there in terms of exploration potential,” he prides.

In terms of building a lasting legacy, West Wits endeavours to forge its reputation as a responsible gold miner, strong business, and company that can become a serious player in the African mining industry.

“Ultimately, we want to grow to be a mid-tier category gold company as soon as possible, and that legacy will then look after itself,” Deysel concludes.

Tel: +61 3 8692 9049 info@westwitsmining.com westwitsmining.com