Power boosts RioZim gold production
Diversified mining entity — RioZim gold production improved by 13 percent to 307kg from 272kg in the third quarter compared to the same period last year owing to significant improvement in power supply.
The mining house said Cam produced 166kg of gold while Renco produced 141kg.
Dalny Mine remained under full care and maintenance throughout the quarter under review.
In a trading update for the third quarter, the firm said the quarter saw a marked improvement in power supply following the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) commissioning of additional capacity at Hwange.
“The significant improvement in power supply subsequently improved gold production for the quarter by 13 percent to 307kg from 272kg achieved in the comparative period last year,” said RioZim.
According to the update, Cam produced 166kg of gold which was a 14 percent increase from 146kg recorded in the same period last year, mainly driven by an increased milling throughput.
The significant capital expenditure interventions on the crushing plant positively impacted plant performance resulting in the recorded improved milling throughput.
Renco produced 141kg of gold in the current period, a 12 percent increase in gold production from 126kg achieved in the same period in 2022.
“This was due to improved power supply to the mine which enabled upscaling of milling throughput as well as plant availability at near optimal levels.”
On the diamond unit, RZM Murowa (Private) Limited saw 100 000 carats produced, a 12 percent reduction from 130 000 carats produced in Q3 of 2022.
It attributed the drop in plant break downs, mainly on the heavy mobile equipment, which negatively affected plant throughput.
The mine’s key focus remains to stabilise its support equipment to enable consistent processing of high volumes as per the new 500TPH plant design.
The firm noted that a refurbishment project on one of the ball mills at Cam & Motor Mine commenced towards the end of the quarter.
The works will reduce the processing capacity of the plant, as the mine will be running on one mill. Refurbishment works are expected to be complete in Q4 of 2023.
The Group has embarked on an optimisation and improvement of processes drive that will enhance plant recoveries that were subdued throughout the quarter.-chronicle
