By Providence Maraneli
THE US$12 billion mining economy by 2023 is achievable with one of the country’s biggest gold producers, Blanket Mine, targeting a staggering 7 000 ounces this month.
With the mining industry being the country’s major foreign currency earner, the increase in production by the Gwanda-based Blanket Mine does not only bring hope to the country but makes the vision of achieving a US$12 billion mining economy by 2023 attainable.
Construction of a new shaft set to be officially commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has improved production output.
“We have increased production at the mine from about 1 700 tonnes a day and we are now close to about to 2 100 tonnes a day and we are still going up and our ultimate goal is 2 300 tonnes a day in 2022 and that goal if achieved will give us a production rate in 2022 of 80 000 ounces per annum and we believe it is achievable,” said Caxton Mangezi, Caledonia Zimbabwe Vice president operations.
Speaking to the ZBC news after touring the new central shaft, Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister, Honourable Polite Kambamura said the mining economy targets are in sight, given the increase in the gold output at Blanket mine.
“Upon the commissioning of this project , the mine will produce about 2.4 tonnes per annum , so we are looking forward to seeing this project as key to our attainment of our ministry’s 12 billion milestone by year 2023 where gold will contribute to about 4 billion. So we are looking forward to have this mine being commissioned by his excellence,” said the Deputy Minister.
Construction of the central shaft which cost about US$80 million from the mine’s internal funds has seen the gold producer increase production from one hundred eighty-nine kgs last month to two hundred and twenty-four kgs this month.
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