ASX-listed Resolute Mining has revised down its second-quarter production outlook for the Syama gold mine in Mali, citing major logistical and supply chain disruptions caused by worsening security conditions in the country. The company now expects Syama to produce about 30,000 ounces of gold during the second quarter, significantly below its earlier forecast of 40,000 to 45,000 ounces.
Resolute said the disruption developed over the past four weeks following serious security challenges across Mali in late April and throughout May. The instability affected transportation routes, equipment deliveries, explosives supply, and broader operational logistics. As a result, the company now expects full-year production at Syama to land near the lower end of its 2026 guidance range of 195,000 to 210,000 ounces.
Security Issues Disrupt Equipment and Ore Access
The most significant operational setback has been delays in delivering critical mining equipment needed to access higher-grade sulphide ore zones within the A21 open pit. Resolute attributed the delays to road insecurity in several parts of Mali.
Underground operations were also affected. Gold grades came in lower than expected due to intermittent blasting performance and temporary disruptions in the supply of explosives, both linked to the deteriorating security situation. With access to higher-grade ore restricted, the sulphide processing plant has relied more heavily on lower-grade stockpiles, reducing overall production efficiency.
Maintenance Shutdown Delayed and Extended
Resolute had originally planned a three-week maintenance shutdown of the sulphide plant and roaster in May. The shutdown has now been postponed to mid-June because of the current conditions in the country. The company has also extended the maintenance period by an additional week to carry out extra preventive maintenance work aimed at improving long-term plant reliability.
Management believes the extended shutdown will ultimately increase the availability and performance of the sulphide processing facility.
Operational Recovery Plans Underway
Despite the challenges, Resolute said Syama’s management team moved quickly to implement measures across mining, processing, and planning activities to maintain operational continuity.
The company expects production to improve in the second half of the year as:
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access to higher-grade ore sources is restored,
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equipment deliveries resume,
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underground development capacity increases,
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additional operators are secured,
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and the security situation in Mali stabilizes further.
Resolute is also accelerating open-pit mining activities to improve access to higher-grade fresh ore and optimizing plant throughput for the remainder of the year.
Syama Remains a Strategic Gold Asset
The company emphasized that Syama remains a key asset within its gold mining portfolio. Ongoing initiatives are focused on stabilizing operations, improving productivity, and unlocking long-term value through the Syama Sulphide Conversion Project (SSCP).
Exploration and study work tied to the SSCP continues as planned and remains central to Resolute’s medium- and long-term growth strategy.
Strong Gold Prices Support Cash Flow
Although production has been impacted, Resolute said it continues to generate strong operating cash flows thanks to:
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the favorable global gold price environment,
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disciplined cost management,
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and continued performance from its other assets.
Other Operations Continue on Track
Outside Mali, the company reported steady progress across its broader portfolio:
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Mako operation in Senegal: Gold production from stockpile processing remains on track to meet full-year guidance.
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Doropo gold project in Côte d’Ivoire: Construction and development activities continue according to schedule.
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Exploration portfolio: Studies and exploration programs across multiple projects are advancing as planned.
Resolute Mining said it will provide a more detailed operational update when it releases its June quarterly results in July.
Mali’s Security Situation Highlights Mining Sector Risks
The situation at Syama underscores the growing operational risks facing mining companies in regions affected by political instability and security threats.
Mali remains one of Africa’s most important gold-producing countries, but ongoing unrest has increasingly complicated logistics, workforce mobility, supply chains, and access to mining infrastructure.
For global gold producers, the events at Syama highlight how geopolitical and security risks can quickly disrupt production even during periods of strong commodity prices.
