Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc operates as a gold mining, exploration and development company with shares quoted on NYSE American, AIM and VFEX under CMCL. Company news centers on gold production and operating updates from the Blanket Mine, financial results shaped by realized gold prices, production volumes and mine costs, and sales that include output from the Bilboes oxide operation.
Recurring announcements also cover progress toward developing the Bilboes project, updates on exploration and growth projects, dividend communications, annual meeting results, board succession matters, auditor reappointments and significant-shareholder notifications under AIM disclosure rules.
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE AMERICAN: CMCL) reported strong operating and financial results for 2021. Gross revenues rose to $121 million, up from $100 million in 2020. Gross profit increased to $54.1 million and EBITDA to $46.4 million. The company produced a record 67,476 ounces of gold and increased dividends by 49%. The commissioning of the Central Shaft is expected to boost production further in 2022, with guidance set at 73,000 to 80,000 ounces. However, a fatal accident raised safety concerns, prompting a reassessment of safety protocols.
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (CMCL) announced on March 4, 2022, that Van Eck Associates Corporation, a significant shareholder, notified the company of a change in its holdings. The notification confirmed that as of March 3, 2022, Van Eck crossed a threshold, now holding 4.008% of voting rights in Caledonia, up from 3.9838%. The reporting aligns with AIM Rules for Companies.
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Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE AMERICAN: CMCL; AIM: CMCL; VFEX: CMCL) announced the resignation of John McGloin as a non-executive director, effective immediately. His departure comes as he takes on the role of CEO at Diamond Fields Resources Inc. Chairman Leigh Wilson acknowledged McGloin's contributions since joining in July 2016, particularly in exploring new opportunities utilizing his technical and geological expertise. The company expressed best wishes for his future endeavors.
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc has announced a zero-cost hedging contract for approximately 25% of its 2022 gold production, specifically 20,000 ounces, from March to July 2022. The cap is set at $1,940 and the collar at $1,825, ensuring an effective gold price of no less than $1,825 per ounce. CEO Steve Curtis emphasized that this decision is to protect the balance sheet during a period of heightened capital investment as production ramps up.
Caledonia Mining Corporation (CMCL) has confirmed a tragic accident at its Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe, resulting in the death of 35-year-old employee Andrew Clydon Phiri. The incident, involving a LHD loader, occurred on February 21, 2022, during underground operations. An official investigation is underway, and further details will be provided once available. Caledonia extends its condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased.
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (CMCL) announced new long-term incentive plan awards under its 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan. Key awards include performance units (PUs) granted to executives, with total values amounting to approximately US$1.1 million. The grants are tied to a share price of US$12.01, with a vesting date set for January 11, 2025. The final number of PUs will be adjusted based on company performance against specific metrics. Shares from vested PUs will have a minimum holding period of one year.
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE AMERICAN: CMCL) has appointed Dana Roets to its board, effective immediately. Roets, who has been the Chief Operating Officer since 2013, boasts over 34 years of experience in the gold and platinum industries. Under his leadership, Blanket Mine's production rose by over 60% from 2014 to 2021. The company anticipates an increase in annual gold production to approximately 80,000 ounces starting in 2022. Roets aims to steer Caledonia toward becoming a multi-asset gold producer while continuing his operational oversight.
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (CMCL) reported robust performance at its Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe for Q4 2021, achieving a record annual gold production of 67,476 ounces, up 17% from 2020. The quarterly production also increased by 24% to 18,604 ounces. The company anticipates 2022 production between 73,000 and 80,000 ounces. Notably, the company has maintained a strong safety record with over 2.4 million fatality-free shifts since 2018, thanks to its dedicated workforce and the successful commissioning of the Central Shaft.
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE American: CMCL) announced the issuance of 76,520 common shares to employees following the maturing of long-term incentive plan awards on January 11, 2022. The shares, issued in depositary interests, will take effect before January 14, 2022. Notable recipients include CEO Steve Curtis, receiving 24,684 shares, and CFO Mark Learmonth, receiving 28,487 shares. Post-issuance, the total number of common shares will be 12,833,126, with no shares held in treasury.
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE AMERICAN: CMCL) announced a significant change in shareholdings on January 7, 2022. Van Eck Associates Corporation notified the company that it crossed a threshold regarding its ownership of voting rights as of January 6, 2022. The current stake held is 3.9838%, amounting to 508,200 shares, decreasing from a previous holding of 540,381 shares, which represented 4.2361%. This notification aligns with the AIM Rules for Companies regarding major holdings.