Kavango Resources plc (LSE: KAV) has confirmed the presence of an open-pit gold deposit at its Nightshift prospect, part of the Hillside gold project in Zimbabwe, following a maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate (MRE) that surpassed expectations.
Announced on October 20, the results mark a key milestone in Kavango’s strategy to advance modern, mechanised gold mining in Zimbabwe and accelerate near-term production. The company said the discovery validates its exploration model and supports a potential expansion of processing capacity at the nearby Bill’s Luck gold mine from 200 to 300 tonnes per day (t/d) — a 50% increase aimed at boosting the project’s output.
Maiden Resource Highlights Robust Open-Pit Potential
The maiden resource for Nightshift defines 20,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.86 g/t, comprising 11,000 ounces indicated (0.78 g/t) and 9,000 ounces inferred (0.98 g/t).
The deposit extends over 700 metres of strike and about 200 metres in width, remaining open both along strike and at depth. Kavango’s 2024 drilling programme intersected gold-bearing structures more than 200 metres below surface, confirming potential for both open-pit and underground mining.
CEO Ben Turney described the Nightshift MRE as a “defining moment” for Kavango.
“This maiden JORC resource confirms that our gold development strategy in Zimbabwe is delivering results,” Turney said. “Our focus on near-surface, fast-track production targets is working — and the strong results from just 15% of the strike length give us confidence in Nightshift’s broader potential.”
Next Steps: Expansion and Resource Growth
Kavango plans to initiate selective open-pit mining at Nightshift in early 2026, following additional grade control drilling. Further exploration will test the deposit’s strike extension up to 1.4 km and evaluate deeper mineralisation through a diamond drilling programme.
In parallel, resource definition drilling at Bill’s Luck is advancing, with an initial MRE expected by the end of 2025 to refine the overall Hillside project mine plan.
“Our next steps at Nightshift are integral to the broader Hillside development strategy,” Turney added. “With firm gold prices and growing operational momentum, we’re confident in unlocking the full potential of our Zimbabwe portfolio.”
A Step Toward Mechanised Gold Growth
The Nightshift discovery cements Kavango’s transition from exploration to near-term gold production, positioning the Hillside project as a strategic growth platform in southern Africa’s emerging modern gold mining landscape.
