BHP established the Syama mine in 1990 as an oxide operation, added a roasting facility, and operated the mine until 1996. Randgold Resources acquired the property in 1996 and operated it until 2001. At a time of low gold prices, neither company had much luck with the property.

Resolute acquired Syama in April 2004 and completed a feasibility study in April 2005. The study showed positive returns based on a modified flow sheet that processes a sulphide concentrate through a roasting circuit. The redevelopment project was initiated in June 2006 when Resolute entered into an agreement with GRD Minproc to provide engineering, procurement, and construction management services. The initial phases of the detailed design were completed in Perth, Australia, and procurement and final design were relocated to Johannesburg in September 2006. Outotec (Australasia) designed, supplied, and is commissioning the roaster.

As of mid-March 2009, wet commissioning of the Syama flotation, thickener, and filtration sections was complete, and concentrate production had begun. The electrostatic precipitator, scrubber and stack were ready for commissioning. Roaster pre-commissioning checks were underway in preparation for the start of roaster commissioning. Concentrate feed to the roaster was expected to begin in April. The plant was expected to remain in commissioning mode for eight weeks.