Core Viewpoint - Caledonia Mining Corporation is making significant progress on the Feasibility Study for the Bilboes project, with an extended timeline to explore optimization opportunities that could enhance project economics and reduce capital requirements [1][2]. Project Development - The Feasibility Study will replace the Preliminary Economic Assessment from June 2024, which indicated strong project economics and a mine plan that could triple Caledonia's gold production, positioning the company as an intermediate gold producer [3]. - The ongoing work continues to confirm the attractive fundamentals of the Bilboes project, especially in the context of a strong gold price [3]. Optimization Opportunities - Key areas of optimization being reviewed include: - Exploration at Motapa, which shows promising new mineralized zones near the Bilboes processing plant, potentially improving the long-term economics of a combined Bilboes-Motapa project [4]. - High-grade mineralization at the Blanket Mine could contribute significantly to the initial capital requirements for Bilboes, providing funding flexibility [5]. - Engaging with authorities to explore the potential sale of concentrate, which could defer capital expenditures on a BIOX processing circuit in the initial years of production [9]. - Evaluating the relocation of the Tailings Storage Facility to a more efficient site, potentially on the Motapa property, to lower initial construction costs [9]. - Incorporating near-term opportunities at Motapa into the Bilboes Feasibility Study following strong exploration results [9]. Commitment to Shareholder Value - The Board is committed to maximizing shareholder value by ensuring that the Bilboes project is optimized both technically and financially, while continuing discussions with funding partners and authorities in Zimbabwe [6]. - The CEO of Caledonia expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the Bilboes project and emphasized a disciplined approach to optimization to enhance returns and funding efficiency [7][8].
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc: Bilboes Optimisation Update