Madsen Gold Mine launches commercial production in Ontario’s Red Lake District
West Red Lake Gold Mines has begun commercial production at its Madsen Gold Mine in Northwestern Ontario. The company announced the milestone after meeting internal targets in December 2025. Located in the Red Lake Mining District, the fully owned operation is now ramping up gold output.
The transition to commercial production followed a strong December performance. During that month, the mill processed an average of 689 tonnes per day, reaching 86% of its design capacity. Recovery rates also remained high, averaging 94.6%, while the mine produced 3,215 ounces of gold from ore grading just under 5 grams per tonne.
In the final quarter of 2025, the Madsen operation poured 7,200 ounces of gold. These were sold at an average price of US$4,150 per ounce, generating US$30 million in revenue. The company’s internal benchmark for commercial production required 30 consecutive days of mill throughput at 65% or more of permitted capacity, alongside stable operations.
Looking ahead, ore will primarily come from the 4447 area in the coming months. This zone is expected to yield an average gold price exceeding 6 grams per tonne. The Madsen deposit itself holds a National Instrument 43-101 Indicated resource of 1.65 million ounces at 7.4 g/t Au, along with an Inferred resource of 0.37 million ounces at 6.3 g/t Au.
West Red Lake Gold plans to release its 2026 production guidance in the first quarter of the year. Shane Williams, the company’s President and CEO, confirmed the start of commercial operations in a press release issued on January 12, 2026.
The Madsen Gold Mine is now operating at commercial scale, with a focus on high-grade ore from the 4447 area. The company’s December results met all internal requirements for throughput and stability. Further updates, including 2026 guidance, are expected in the next few months.
