Caracal Gold, an East Africa-based gold miner, has announced the first gold production from its new heap leach plant at its Kilimapesa Gold mine in Kenya.

The company said the gold was produced ahead of schedule and that it marks an important milestone in its broader expansion strategy to increase production at Kilimapesa to 24,000oz per annum.

The pilot plant pad achieved a 53.4% recovery within 14 days, Caracal said. Consumption of cyanide and lime was under budget, and Caracal was able to produce its first gold within 14 days of initial pad loading. It completed its second lift and had it under irrigation in 14 days.

Based on these results, Caracal Gold has approved the construction of the additional pads required to treat the 30,000 tonnes of low-grade stockpiled material. Mining production initiatives have been launched to ramp up from 15,000 tonnes per month to 20,000 tonnes per month.

Chief executive of Caracal Gold Plc, Robbie McCrae, said: "To have delivered the first component of this strategy ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement and testament to our commitment to maximise the value potential of our expanding gold portfolio.

"With further work programmes in the pipeline to enhance productivity even further, rallying gold prices, we are firmly poised for growth. I look forward to sharing further updates with shareholders on our progress in due course."

In March 2021, Caracal announced that its construction work on the leach plant was on track and ahead of schedule.