Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc: Blanket Mine Q4 and FY 2024 Production and 2025 Guidance

Core Viewpoint - Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc reported its gold production results for 2024 and provided guidance for 2025, highlighting a focus on modernization and efficiency improvements at Blanket Mine while managing cost pressures [1][3][6]. Production and Sales - In 2024, Blanket Mine produced 76,656 ounces of gold, meeting the production guidance of 74,000 to 78,000 ounces and slightly exceeding the 2023 production of 75,416 ounces [6][7]. - The fourth quarter production was 19,841 ounces, with a record total of 797,000 tonnes milled for the year [6][7]. - Gold sales for 2024 totaled 76,271 ounces, with 17,734 ounces sold in the fourth quarter [7]. 2025 Production Guidance - The production guidance for 2025 is set between 73,500 to 77,500 ounces, reflecting the mining of lower-grade areas [4]. - The on-mine cost is forecasted to be $1,050 to$1,150 per ounce, an increase from the previous year's range of $950 to$1,050 [5]. - The all-in sustaining cost (AISC) is expected to be between $1,690 to$1,790 per ounce, up from $1,450 to$1,550 in 2024 [5]. Capital Expenditure and Investments - The total capital expenditure for 2025 is projected at $41.8 million, with$34.9 million allocated to Blanket Mine and $5.8 million to Bilboes and Motapa [3][11]. - Key projects include$6.6 million for planned development, $3.4 million for energy-saving initiatives, and$4.8 million for tailings storage facility completion [8][11]. - Investments aim to modernize operations, improve mining efficiency, and support long-term profitability [3][7]. Operational Resilience and Future Projects - The company is focusing on operational resilience through strategic investments, including IT upgrades and exploration at Motapa [8][10]. - The feasibility study for the Bilboes sulphide project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025 [9][10].