Allied Gold Expands Sadiola, Strong Production Growth Ahead

Allied Gold’s decision to launch Phase 1 of the Sadiola mine expansion in Mali represents a pivotal moment in the company’s broader growth strategy across Africa. By initiating this upgrade, the company is positioning itself to deliver stronger production volumes, enhanced operational efficiency, and more resilient cash flow over the medium to long term. The expansion underscores Allied Gold’s confidence in Sadiola as a cornerstone asset within its African portfolio, while also reinforcing its ambition to scale output in a disciplined and phased manner.

At the operational level, Phase 1 introduces a new fresh ore processing circuit at the Sadiola mine in Mali, a development that significantly alters the plant’s production profile. Fresh ore is expected to account for up to 60 percent of total mill feed, enabling throughput to rise to approximately 5.7 million tonnes per year. As a result, annual gold production from Sadiola is targeted to reach between 200,000 and 230,000 ounces, reflecting an increase of roughly 17 percent to nearly 30 percent compared with 2023 levels. This shift toward higher fresh ore volumes is also designed to improve metallurgical performance and lower unit operating costs, strengthening margins even in volatile gold price environments.

The phased nature of the expansion is central to Allied Gold’s financial and operational strategy. Improved cash flow is anticipated as incremental capacity comes online, with the first full quarter of elevated fresh ore volumes expected in early 2026. In parallel, engineering and design work is progressing on a pre-leach thickener scheduled for installation in 2026, alongside a plant-wide control system upgrade aimed at enhancing automation, efficiency, and cost discipline. These initiatives collectively lay the groundwork for Phase 2 of the Sadiola expansion, which is scheduled to commence late next year and continue through to 2029, further extending the mine’s productive life and output potential.

Near-term production momentum is also evident in Allied Gold’s wider African operations. Sadiola is forecast to deliver approximately 60,000 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, providing a strong bridge toward higher annualized output. Beyond Mali, the company continues to benefit from robust contributions in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly from the Bonikro mine, which supports a company-wide quarterly production forecast exceeding 113,000 ounces. This diversified production base helps balance operational risk while sustaining growth across multiple jurisdictions.

From a broader perspective, the Sadiola expansion is likely to have meaningful implications for Mali’s mining sector and the regional gold industry. Increased production and extended mine life support employment, local procurement, and fiscal revenues, while the adoption of more efficient processing technologies sets a benchmark for operational modernization. For Allied Gold, the successful execution of Phase 1 and the progression toward Phase 2 could enhance its standing as a leading mid-tier gold producer in Africa, contributing positively to the continent’s mining-led economic development and investment attractiveness.

Mini-Glossary

• Fresh ore processing circuit: A processing system designed to treat newly mined, unweathered ore, often yielding higher recoveries than older stockpiled material.
• Mill feed: The ore delivered to the processing plant for crushing and extraction.
• Throughput: The volume of material processed by a plant over a given period, usually measured in tonnes per year.
• Pre-leach thickener: Equipment used to concentrate slurry before chemical leaching, improving processing efficiency.
• Metallurgical performance: A measure of how effectively valuable metals are recovered from ore during processing.

Editor: Vural Burç ÇAKIR