Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC has brought its new solar power plant at its Blanket mine in Zimbabwe on stream.
Blanket currently receives its power from ZESA, but in recent years, the electricity supply has not been reliable and this has both economic and safety implications for the underground mine.
Caledonia started constructing the 12.2 MWac solar plant late in 2021.
The solar plant is now operational, and in due course, it is expected that it will provide approximately 27% of Blanket’s average daily electricity demand. Mark Learmonth, chief executive of Caledonia, said:
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I am delighted that the solar plant is connected to the Blanket grid and from today Blanket will start to receive some of its energy directly from solar.
With 21 per cent of Blanket’s on-mine costs relating to energy usage, this solar plant is a very important project for the company as it will improve the quality and security of Blanket’s electricity supply and provide environmental benefits through cleaner energy.
The solar power will displace more expensive power from the grid and from the diesel generators and is expected to reduce Caledonia’s consolidated cost per ounce of gold produced by approximately US$37.
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| <a href="https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/998222/caledonia-mining-brings-new-solar-power-generation-capability-on-stream-at-the-blanket-gold-mine-998222.html">Proactive</a>

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Caledonia Mining brings New Solar Power On Stream At Blanket Mine

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to commission the Blanket Gold Mine central shaft project in Gwanda, Matabeleland South soon.
This was revealed by Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando on Wednesday during a tour of the Caledonia Mining Corporation-owned mine, who said his trip was a precursor to President Mnangagwa’s visit.
Caledonia recently operationalised its new Central Shaft after pouring in US$67 million into the project which it started working on in 2015.
Although Caledonia production took a slight slump to 13 197oz in the first quarter of this year, the company remains on track to achieve its full-year production guidance of between 61 000oz and 67 000oz.
Last month, the mining firm posted a strong recovery of 5 470oz.
Chitando said the development at Blanket Mine will contribute significantly to the US$12 billion mining revenue by 2023.
Under the US$12 billion mining roadmap, gold is expected to contribute US$4 billion, platinum US$3 billion while chrome, iron, steel, diamonds and coal will contribute US$1 billion.
Lithium is expected to contribute US$500 million while other minerals will contribute US$1,5 billion.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/watch-ed-to-officially-commission-blanket-mine-central-shaft/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

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