Gold produced by the Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe in the Quarter increased by 18% to 9,743 ounces from the 8,226 ounces produced in the 2nd quarter 2011 (the "preceding quarter") and was 97% higher than the 4,935 ounces of gold produced in 3rd quarter 2010 (the "comparative quarter"). This is the sixth consecutive quarterly increase in gold production.
Average gold recovery increased to 93.1% from 92.9% in the preceding quarter and from 91.3% in the comparative quarter reflecting the benefits from investment in improvements to the milling and Carbon-in-Leach ("CIL") circuits.
Cash operating costs at the Blanket Mine in the Quarter were US$583 per ounce of gold produced compared to US$585 in the preceding quarter and US$651 in the comparative quarter.
Total gold production for 2012 was 45,600 ounces, a 27% increase over 2011’s 35,800 oz.
Caledonia Mining’s (LON:CMCL TSE:CAL)
Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe notched up a new annual production record in 2012, despite output easing slightly in the last three months of the year.
Total gold production for 2012 was 45,600 ounces (oz), a 27% increase over 2011’s 35,800 oz.
Blanket’s quarterly production to December of 11,980 oz was lower than the record 12,919 oz achieved in the previous three months, but was a 14% increase on the previous year’s fourth quarter.
Stefan Hayden, Caledonia's president and chief executive said: "As anticipated and as previously advised, gold production in Q4 was lower than in Q3 as the achieved grade returned towards the long term average of 3.84 g/t [grams per tonne].
“The production of 11,980 oz achieved in Q4 is an excellent performance by Blanket and is 16.5% higher than the targeted production of 10,000 oz/quarter. “
Caledonia recently unveiled plans to increase production at Blanket by 90% to 76,000 ounces annually over the next three years.
Caledonia Mining also listed @ London AIM: CMCL / calvf now at 7.5p = $0.126
CALVF TA Alert Golden Cross -
CALVF NO DEBT and Holding more than $25 million in cash outside Zim and earn & add about $5 million profit / quarter - to its $Cash holdings :-) God Bless