adminNew Dawn Mining with operations in Bulawayo, Turk Mine and Midlands also saw production almost doubling to 9 095 ounces.
In a statement, Caledonia Mining Corporation, which owns Blanket Mine, said the mine was targeting to increase gold output at the mine in 2012 to 40 000 ounces.
The mining entity said 10 533oz of gold were produced during the last quarter of 2011 representing an 8,1 percent increase on third quarter of last year that recorded 9,743 percent.
The company said it undertook infrastructure, process and equipment investment programmes that include refurbishment of underground haulages to improve production.
“This (refurbishment) is expected to be complete by the end of the first quarter in 2012. This programme is essential to support and sustain our increased underground production,” said the company.
It said some of the projects might affect production adversely in the first quarter of 2012.
Meanwhile, New Dawn Mining said more than $15 million was earned from gold sales in the last quarter of 2011.
“As compared to consolidated gold production for the previous quarter ended 30 September 2011 of 8 814 ounces (8 212oz attributable), consolidated gold production for the quarter ended 31 December 2011 increased by 3,2 percent,” said New Dawn.
Consolidated gold sales for the last quarter in 2011 amounted to $15 440 766 ($14 238 642 attributable) at an average sales price per oz of gold of $1 684 as compared to $6 458 735 ($6184 661 attributable) for the quarter ended 31 December 2010 at an average sales price per oz of gold of $1 370, reflecting an increase of 139,1 percent.
“With December 2011 total gold production of 3 252 oz, equivalent to annualised gold production of 39 024oz, the company achieved its production target of 38 000 to 40 000oz of annualised gold production within its projected timeframe, despite four public holidays in Zimbabwe during December 2011.”
Online Reporter