Caracal Gold, an East Africa-focused gold producer, has announced it will launch the final phase of its plan to increase gold production and improve efficiencies at the Kilimapesa Gold Mining and Processing Operations in Kenya.

The company said it plans to increase production capacity to approximately 24,000 ounces annually following the successful completion of the first two phases of operational improvements and developments.

Additionally, the company said it would begin construction of a new leach plant, which will be initially loaded with approximately 40,000 tonnes of low-grade material, and then treat up to 10,000 tonnes ore a month.

The plan also includes an upgrade, refurbishment, and optimisation of the tailings retreatment plant from the current throughput levels of 500 tonnes per day to 1,000 tonnes per day, focusing on increasing gold recoveries and plant availability.

Robbie McCrae, chief executive officer of Caracal Gold, said the first two phases of the expansion "delivered a significant increase in production" at both the open-pit and underground mine sites, as well as "record levels of throughput through the processing plant."

"The next phase of development will be completed over approx. 6-months and will be completed by an experienced and competent engineering company overseen by our recently appointed new General Manager," McCrae added.