Artur Salyakayev: For me, happiness is freedom to make my ideas happen and create valuable products

Artur Salyakayev is an art entrepreneur, founder of the International Jewelry Academy (IJA) and the INCRUA jewelry company. He has initiated and developed successful projects in jewelry industry and services sector. He is also a leading expert...

30 september 2024

Paul Zimnisky: China key for sustained recovery in demand for natural diamonds, prices

The curtailing of upstream and midstream natural diamond production in the past months is starting to have an effect on prices, according to the New-York-based independent diamond and jewellery analyst and consultant, Paul Zimnisky. He told Rough & Polished’s...

23 september 2024

Vladimir Pilyushin: The jewelry market is not stand-alone and moves by the same laws as other markets

Vladimir Pilyushin is editor-in-chief of Russian Jeweler, a leading magazine about the jewelry industry in Russia. He told Rough&Polished about his view on the evolution of the jewelry industry in Russia and touched upon some of its problems.

16 september 2024

Sarine’s David Block: Diamond Industry at Standstill Until Chinese Demand Returns

David Block is CEO of Israel’s Sarine Technologies and has served in the position since 2012. In this exclusive interview for Rough and Polished, Block gives his opinion on the leading issues affecting today’s diamond trade.

11 september 2024

Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge: Demand for considerable-sized diamonds stronger than ever

The African Diamond Council (ADC) chairperson Dr M'zée Fula Ngenge told Rough & Polished’s Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that although overall global diamond prices have been somewhat soft, the demand for considerable-sized diamonds...

02 september 2024

Westgold significantly boosts FY2025 production guidance

19 september 2024

Perth-based Westgold Resources has increased its production guidance for 2025 financial year to 400 000 - 420 000 ounces of gold, compared to 220,000 - 235,000 ounces a year earlier.

The substantial increase is partly due to the recent acquisition of Beta Hunt and Higginsville gold mines in Australia from Karora Resources for AUD1.23 billion ($832 million).

Production for the financial year will be back ended as in the second half of the 2025 financial year, the South Junction, Big Bell Deeps and Great Fingall projects are expected to commence production ramp up and Beta Hunt is expected to reach a 2Mtpa run rate.

Westgold expects its all-in sustaining costs to be higher in the first half of 2025 and reduce in the second half. Its cost guidance is between AUD2,000/oz and AUD2,300/oz for 2025.

“FY25 sees a substantial step change in scale of operation for Westgold. Integrating and optimising the Southern Goldfields assets will be the focus in H1, FY25 with Beta Hunt beginning to deliver increased output in H2,” said Westgold managing director and CEO Wayne Bramwell.

“Growth capital into our largest and highest-grade mines establishes a business capable of delivering significantly higher outputs in FY26. Exploration investment in FY25 extends the lives of those mines. Westgold is building a long term, sustainable Australian gold company with an enviable pipeline of internal growth opportunities and FY25 will be pivotal in establishing our future.”

Westgold’s profit in 2024 financial year amounted to $95 million and produced 227,237 ounces of gold. Just recently, the company celebrated its new listing on the Toronto stock exchange.

Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished