London Stock Exchange-listed mining and exploration junior Kavango Resources is on the verge of transforming the Hillside Gold Project in Filabusi, as the company embarks on a series of modern exploration initiatives to unlock the site’s full potential, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking in a recent interview, CEO Ben Turney highlighted the project’s promising outlook, with significant improvements planned for 2025 and beyond.
Turney emphasized that Hillside, a 440-hectare block, encapsulates the vast opportunities that exist in Zimbabwe for modern exploration, particularly in the small-scale mining sector. The site, which has largely relied on outdated technology, offers Kavango a unique opportunity to apply international standards and introduce state-of-the-art mining practices to maximize gold production.
At present, Hillside produces around 1.5 kilograms of gold per month, generating over $100,000 in revenue. This production level is the result of small-scale operations that use 130-year-old stamp mills, a common sight in Zimbabwe’s artisanal mining sector. Despite these limitations, the company has made significant progress since beginning operations in March 2024.
Turney noted that even with these basic operations, Kavango has quickly demonstrated what is possible in Zimbabwe. With minimal capital expenditure, the company is already preparing to boost production further.
“Our immediate target is to increase production to between 3 to 5 kilograms per month by the first quarter of next year,” Turney said. “This will be achieved by operationalizing the 5-stamp mill, improving underground safety, and conducting proper underground development.”
Kavango’s vision for Hillside goes far beyond short-term gains. The company plans to install a 100-tonne-per-day processing plant sourced from South Africa by the end of Q2 2025. This modern facility will vastly improve the efficiency and scale of operations, with projections showing a potential monthly output of between 12 to 15 kilograms of gold once the plant is operational.
Turney explained that upgrading the plant, coupled with the development of underground mining capabilities, could cost the company around $2.5 million in total. This investment, which includes underground development and plant construction, will enable the company to triple its production by mid-2025.
“We expect to hit a major inflection point at this stage,” Turney added. “By that point, we’ll become profitable at the PLC level, covering all our costs in Zimbabwe and Botswana, and generating surplus revenue.”
Hillside serves as a key strategic asset for Kavango Resources, demonstrating the company’s ability to apply modern exploration techniques to small-scale projects and capitalize on Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources. Turney highlighted the broader significance of this project, noting that the success at Hillside could be a model for future gold production projects across the country.
“Our work at Hillside encapsulates what’s possible in modern Zimbabwe,” Turney said. “We have the infrastructure, the workforce, and the opportunity to introduce international mining practices that will unlock large-scale gold production in a capital-constrained environment.”
With modern exploration, increased production capacity, and further capital investment, Kavango is well-positioned to transform Hillside into a leading gold production site in Zimbabwe, laying the foundation for long-term profitability and growth.
As Kavango continues to execute its ambitious plans for Hillside, the company’s ability to scale operations, modernize infrastructure, and achieve profitability will set it apart from other exploration companies in Zimbabwe and the wider region. By harnessing the site’s untapped potential, Kavango aims to bring Hillside to the forefront of Zimbabwe’s gold production industry by 2025.
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