RNS Operational Update10 Sep 2021 08:06
10 September 2021
Caracal Gold plc ('Caracal' or the 'Company')
Operations Update
Caracal Gold plc, the gold producer with operations in East Africa, is pleased to announce an update on operations at its producing Kilimapesa Gold Mining and Processing Operations in Kenya, where it is advancing a phased mine optimisation strategy.
HIGHLIGHTS
-- Connecting mains power to the processing plant within the next eight weeks, dramatically reducing operating costs by approx. US$100/oz and providing significant ESG benefits
-- Continuing to increase processing plant throughput, with the redesigned plant operating more efficiently and at increased rates
-- New Mine Plan being successfully implemented and supported by a strengthened geological team, which is gaining a deeper understanding of the structural geology
-- Appointment of additional exploration geologist, who is expediting the Company's broader exploration plans at Kilimapesa, including commencement of an extended trenching programme ahead of two new RC and DD drills that have been acquired by the Company and are due to arrive on site this quarter
-- Corporate Office opened in Nairobi and listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange progressing
-- Advanced negotiations on the potential acquisition of several previously identified, complementary and strategically located gold mine and development projects in East Africa
Robbie McCrae, CEO of Caracal, said, "Having listed at the end of August 2021, we've hit the ground running across every aspect of our gold mining and exploration business. Ex cellent progress is being made at our flagship asset, the Kilimapesa Gold Mine in Kenya, where we are fast-tracking a mid-term optimisation plan focused on increasing gold production to 25,000oz p.a.
"A key accomplishment has been the agreement to connect the plant to the grid power; not only does this deliver major cost savings and improved economics, but it also strengthens our ESG credentials given Kenya's advanced stance on the use of renewable energy. Additionally, our exploration programmes aimed at increasing our JORC compliant resources to +2Moz are also making headway, with initial trenching of shallow open pit areas initiated, the acquisition of our own RC and DD drills, and in-house drilling teams established to allow us to accelerate our exploration activities. Furthermore, discussions regarding the potential acquisition of previously identified major gold assets in East Africa are progressing at pace.
"We are delighted with the market reception since listing at the end of August and look forward to proactive engagement with shareholders as we rapidly advance our strategy of becoming a +50,000oz p.a. producer and building a JORC compliant resource base of +3Moz within 12-18 months across our East African focussed gold mining and exploration activities."