PRECIOUS METALS

Caledonia's Blanket mine delivers record volumes in Q4

Improved power supply reliability and a strict focus on grade control saw Caledonia Mining deliver record quarterly production from its Blanket gold mine in Zimbabwe.

Staff reporter
Caledonia's Blanket gold mine in southern Zimbabwe

Caledonia's Blanket gold mine in southern Zimbabwe

Caledonia reported 16,876 ounces of gold production in Q4, 24% higher than the preceding quarter. Total annual production of 55,182oz exceeded the company's guidance range of 50,000 - 53,000oz.

"An improvement in the electricity supply and vigilant focus on grade control and production tonnage have resulted in an excellent production result for the final quarter of which our entire operational staff can be justifiably proud," Caledonia's chief executive officer Steve Curtis said in a statement.

Curtis said the strong operational momentum built by the company late 2019 had continued into the new year.

The company expects to complete work on a new central shaft at Blanket in July, which should boost production from about 55,000 ounces a year in 2020 to 75,000oz in 2021 and 80,000oz in 2022.

Caledonia announced a 9.1% dividend increase on January 3, and Curtis said Monday "the anticipated improvement in free cash flow is expected to enable the board to review future dividend distributions as appropriate".

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence Investor Sentiment Report 2024

Survey revealing the plans, priorities, and preferences of 120+ mining investors and their expectations for the sector in 2024.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence Mining Equities Report 2023

Access an exclusive, inside look on the quarterly mining IPOs and secondary raisings data and mining equities performance tables with an annual Stock Exchange Comparisons supplement.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence World Risk Report 2023 (feat. MineHutte ratings)

A detailed analysis of mining investment risks across 121 jurisdictions globally, built on 11 ‘hard risk’ metrics and an industrywide survey.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence Global Leadership Report 2023: Social licence

Gain insights into social licence trends and best practices from interviews with 20+ top mining company executives and an industrywide survey.