Caledonia Mining Corporation has appointed Voltalia contractors for a solar power plant at its Blanket Gold Mine in Zimbabwe.

Voltalia is an international renewable energy provider listed on Euronext Paris.

The plant is expected to provide 27 percent of the mine’s total electricity demand.

Meanwhile, the Canadian firm’s key project – Blanket Mine – produced 15 164 ounces of gold in the third quarter ended September 30, 2020 which was a 11.1% increase from the prior comparative output of 13 646oz.

“Approximately 15 164oz of gold were produced during the quarter, an increase of 11,1 percent on the 13 646oz produced in the corresponding quarter of 2019,” said Caledonia.

“Production guidance for the year to December 31, 2020 increased to between 55 000 and 58 000oz.”

Gold produced in the nine months to September 30, 2020 was 42 896oz, which is 12 percent above the 38 306oz produced in the nine months to September 30, 2019.

Management says the company remains on track to achieve its production target of 80 000oz by 2022.

Said Caledonia CEO on the third quarter interims:

“The production of 15 164oz in the third quarter is a record result and is an increase of more than 11 percent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2019.”

“Due to strong production, I am delighted that we are now able to increase our production guidance from 53 000 to 56 000oz to 55 000 to 58 000oz.”