Zimbabwe’s Blanket Mine not likely to be affected by lockdowns due to coronavirus

Caledonia Mining Corporation  says it is confident it can manage the likely knock-on effects of the 21-day shut-down in South Africa due to the coronavirus pandemic to its Blanket gold mine in Zimbabwe.

The supply chain for the procurement of a significant portion of mining consumables and capital equipment for the Blanket mine comes from South Africa.

However, the company expects no interruption to its gold production.

In anticipation of supply chain disruptions arising from coronavirus, Caledonia has increased the levels of consumable stocks at Blanket in recent weeks.

Caledonia estimates that Blanket has adequate critical spares and mining consumables in its inventory to sustain uninterrupted gold production well past the expected duration of the supply interruption including allowing for a period of supply chain and inventory restocking after the end of the South African lockdown on 16 April.

In the event of either a similar lockdown procedure being enacted in Zimbabwe, or an outbreak of coronavirus at Blanket affecting a significant number of employees and necessitating a mine shut down, Caledonia would enter this unprecedented situation with a strong balance sheet with cash on hand at  25 March 2020 of approximately US$12.5mln.

Cash has been boosted by a strong first quarter production performance at the recently elevated gold prices. The current cash on hand and existing term and overdraft facilities already in place at Blanket leave the business in a strong position to withstand an extended period of production interruption if it were to materialise.

“We approach this challenge with a strong balance sheet, adequate inventory levels and a healthy workforce,” Caledonia chief executive Steve Curtis said in a statement.

“Caledonia, our employees and indeed the people of Zimbabwe have successfully overcome great challenges in their recent past. I have full confidence that we will deal with this current challenge in a similar manner,” he added.-ProActiveInvestors

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