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Caledonia Mining acquires option over Zimbabwe exploration prospect

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Global Mining Review,


Caledonia Mining Corp. Plc has announced that it has entered into an option agreement which gives the company the exclusive right to explore and subsequently, if exploration is successful and at its sole discretion, acquire the mining claims over the area known as Glen Hume, a property situated in the Gweru mining district in the Zimbabwe Midlands that has historically produced significant quantities of gold.

Caledonia believes that Glen Hume offers significant exploration potential. The agreement covers an area of approximately 350 ha. with substantial evidence of gold mineralisation including historical mining activity. Caledonia has conducted airborne geophysics which indicates attractive exploration targets and has also conducted preliminary metallurgical work indicating favourable grade and recovery. A preliminary contract has been signed with the existing drilling contractor and a drill programme has been put in place.

Caledonia has acquired the right to explore the area for a period of up to 15 months and subsequently, if exploration is successful and at its sole discretion, acquire the mining claims over the area. The total consideration is an initial payment of US$2.5 million in cash, followed by a further payment of US$2.5 million (payable in cash or shares at the discretion of the vendor) which would be payable should Caledonia decide to exercise its right to acquire the mining claims.

Caledonia has agreed to the payment of a 1% net smelter royalty (NSR) to the vendor on gold it produces from the area. The NSR can subsequently be bought out at Caledonia's discretion for a lump sum payment of US$15 million within the first 5 years following the acquisition by Caledonia of the claims, or US$10 million until the tenth anniversary of operation or US$5 million thereafter.

Steve Curtis, CEO of Caledonia Mining, said: "As we approach the completion of the Central Shaft, our production is expected to increase by 45% to 80 000 oz by 2022, we also expect to realise a substantial increase in cashflow as a result of increased production, reduced costs per ounce and lower capital expenditure. This gives us the financial and management capacity to take on new opportunities in Zimbabwe and we are pleased to enter into this option agreement which give us the right to explore and subsequently to acquire mining claims over this property.

"This agreement represents the first step towards our goal of increasing our portfolio and becoming a multi-asset gold producer in Zimbabwe, one of the last gold frontiers in Africa."

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/15122020/caledonia-mining-acquires-option-over-zimbabwe-exploration-prospect/

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African mining news Gold mining news