Richard Hyde

Founder, CEO and Executive Chairman - commenced 2006

Richard is a geologist with 30 years’ experience in the mining industry and over 25 years’ experience operating in West Africa. He founded West African Resources in 2006, leading the company through its IPO in 2010, major gold discovery in 2016, to first gold production in 2020, completing the Sanbrado gold mine construction 6 months ahead of schedule and US$20 million under budget.

In 2021 Richard led West African’s acquisition of the 7.8Moz Kiaka Gold Project, including raising over A$136 million in equity to support the transaction. In 2023 Richard and his team secured a further US$265 million in debt funding for the development and construction of Kiaka. In June 2025, the project successfully achieved first gold ahead of schedule and under budget.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Geophysics from the University of New England and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists