Blanket Mine Breaks Gold Production Record in Q1 2...

Blanket Mine Breaks Gold Production Record in Q1 2025

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Caledonia Mining Corporation has reported record gold production at its Blanket Mine for the first quarter of 2025, with output reaching 18,671 ounces between January and March.

This marks a significant increase from the 17,050 ounces produced during the same period in 2024 and surpasses the previous first-quarter record of 18,515 ounces set in 2022.

The first quarter is traditionally the one with the lowest output, primarily because of lower production during the rainy season.

During the quarter, the mine processed 201,755 tons of ore—13.4 percent, or 23,793 tons, above expectations. The surface stockpile has also grown to approximately 15,000 tons, indicating that run-of-mine production is now exceeding the plant’s milling capacity.

Despite the first quarter typically being the mine’s weakest period, Blanket remains on track to meet its 2025 gold production target of between 74,000 and 78,000 ounces.

“I’m delighted to report that production in Q1 2025 has set a new record for a first quarter at Blanket, with over 18,500 ounces produced—a particularly strong performance given that the first quarter is traditionally our weakest,” said Mark Learmonth, Caledonia’s Chief Executive Officer.

He credited the milestone to continued operational improvements and the dedication of the team on the ground.

“The significant increase in both tonnes milled and the surface stockpile provides a strong foundation for the remainder of the year,” Learmonth added. “This is an excellent start, and with a strong gold price, we are well positioned to generate healthy cash flows and continue investing in our growth projects.”

The full technical performance of the mine is detailed in the "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Blanket Gold Mine, Zimbabwe," published by Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc.

The technical information in the announcement was reviewed and approved by Craig James Harvey, Caledonia’s Vice President of Technical Services. Harvey is recognized as a Qualified Person under the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 and the U.S. Securities Act.