Pickstone Peerless plans to double production
Dallaglio-owned Pickstone Peerless mine is on a massive mine development drive to double its production capacity as it is geared to contribute significantly towards the attainment of the US$4 billion gold industry.
Rudairo Mapuranga
According to Pickstone Peerless General Manager Alfred Madowe, Dallaglio has invested US$18 million on the development of Pickstone Peerless underground mining which will see the gold miner mining a higher grade from the current open pit’s 1.8 grams per tonne to an average of 4 grams per tonne. The increase in grades will double production capacity from an average of 500 kgs per annum to 1000 kgs per annum by 2025.
Pickstone Peerless mine on average produces 50 kgs of gold per month and the expansion will see the mine grow to an average of 80 kgs per month after underground commissioning in 2023.
Underground mining at Pickstone according to Madowe will be commissioned in April 2023 and the mine will increase production to 800 kgs per annum.
“Extensive shaft and surface restructure is being undertaken to reopen the existing underground mine at Pickstone Peerless mine.
“Indicative underground grades are ranging between 3 to 5 grams per tonne while the open pit grades are standing at an average of 1.8 grams per tonne. This will be a gradual improvement in grades.
“Pickstone underground project will contribute significantly to increase revenue and foreign currency inflow in the economy and contribute towards the attainment of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023. This is in line with His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision 2030 towards a prosperous upper middle-income nation by 2030,” Madowe said.