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

Core Viewpoint - Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc achieved its gold production guidance for 2024, producing 76,656 ounces, and is planning significant investments in 2025 to enhance operational efficiency and support growth potential [6][7][9]. Production and Sales - Blanket Mine's gold production for 2024 was 76,656 ounces, slightly exceeding the previous year's production of 75,416 ounces, with Q4 production at 19,841 ounces [6][7]. - Annual gold sales for 2024 totaled 76,271 ounces, with Q4 sales amounting to 17,734 ounces [7]. Capital Expenditure and Investment Plans - The 2025 capital expenditure program is set at $41.8 million, with$34.9 million allocated to Blanket Mine and $5.8 million for 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 completing the tailings storage facility [8][11]. Cost Guidance - On-mine costs for 2025 are forecasted to be between $1,050/oz and$1,150/oz, while all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are expected to range from $1,690/oz to$1,790/oz, reflecting increased labor and IT expenses [5]. - The 2025 cost guidance includes $20/oz for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) costs, up from approximately$17/oz in 2024 [5]. Future Outlook - Production guidance for 2025 is set at 73,500 to 77,500 ounces, with expectations of mining lower-grade areas [4]. - The company aims to modernize operations and improve mining efficiency, with a long-term goal of reducing costs and enhancing profitability [3][9].