ASX-listed Resolute Mining has lowered its second-quarter production outlook for the Syama gold mine in Mali, citing logistical and supply chain disruptions linked to worsening security conditions. The company expects Syama to produce about 30,000 ounces of gold in the quarter. This compares with an earlier forecast of 40,000 to 45,000 ounces.
Resolute said the disruption has been developing over the past four weeks following serious security challenges across Mali in late April and throughout May. It reported impacts across transportation routes, equipment deliveries, explosives supply and broader operational logistics. The company also indicated that full-year production at Syama is now expected to fall near the lower end of its 2026 guidance range of 195,000 to 210,000 ounces.
Equipment delivery delays affect sulphide ore access
The most significant operational setback relates to delays in delivering critical mining equipment needed to access higher-grade sulphide ore zones within the A21 open pit. Resolute attributed the equipment delays to road insecurity in several parts of Mali. The company said this has constrained access to higher-grade material.
Underground operations were also affected by the same deteriorating security environment. Resolute reported that gold grades were lower than expected due to intermittent blasting performance and temporary disruptions in explosives supply. With higher-grade ore access restricted, the sulphide processing plant relied more heavily on lower-grade stockpiles, reducing overall production efficiency.
Sulphide plant maintenance postponed and extended
Resolute had planned a three-week maintenance shutdown of the sulphide plant and roaster in May. The shutdown has been postponed to mid-June due to current conditions in Mali. The company also extended the maintenance period by an additional week.
The extra week is intended for additional preventive maintenance work aimed at improving long-term plant reliability. Resolute said management expects the extended shutdown to increase availability and performance of the sulphide processing facility.
Measures planned for improved output in second-half 2026
Despite the disruptions, Resolute said Syama’s management 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 access to higher-grade ore sources is restored. It also expects equipment deliveries to resume and underground development capacity to increase.
Resolute added that additional operators are being secured and that further stabilization of Mali’s security situation is expected. In parallel, it said it is accelerating open-pit mining activities to improve access to higher-grade fresh ore and optimizing plant throughput for the remainder of the year.
Syama Sulphide Conversion Project continues; other assets progress
Resolute stated that Syama remains a key asset within its gold portfolio. It said initiatives are focused on stabilizing operations, improving productivity and unlocking long-term value through the Syama Sulphide Conversion Project (SSCP). Exploration and study work associated with SSCP continues as planned.
The company reported that strong operating cash flow continues despite production impacts, supported by a favorable global gold price environment, disciplined cost management and continued performance from its other assets. Outside Mali, Resolute said progress is steady across its portfolio, including Mako in Senegal where stockpile processing remains on track for full-year guidance.
Resolute also reported that construction and development at its Doropo gold project in Côte d’Ivoire continue according to schedule. It said studies and exploration programs across multiple projects are advancing as planned. The company will provide a more detailed operational update when it releases its June quarterly results in July.
Mali security risks highlighted for mining operations
Resolute linked the Syama disruption to operational risks faced by mining companies operating in regions affected by political instability and security threats. It said Mali’s ongoing unrest has increasingly complicated logistics, workforce mobility, supply chains and access to mining infrastructure. The company noted that geopolitical and security risks can disrupt production even during periods of strong commodity prices.
