Zimplats star continue to shine for Implats

Zimbabwe's largest platinum producer, Zimplats has continued to excel from a health, safety and production perspective and the bankable feasibility work for the development of portal 6 has been completed.

Zimplats reported zero lost time injuries for the quarter and mill throughput increased by 5.5% to 1.70 million tonnes, compared to 1.61 million tonnes in the prior corresponding period, largely as a result of increased production from the South open pit and Bimha Mine. Platinum in matte production consequently increased by 3.6% to 68 400 ounces, compared to 66 000 ounces in the prior corresponding period a year ago.

The bankable feasibility study for the development of a 2.2 million tonnes per annum replacement portal system for the Rukodzi and the Ngwarati mines has been completed and this project will be submitted to the Boards of Zimplats and Implats for their consideration in November 2016. Once approved, the planned US$260 million project will access 4.65 million 4E ounces of reserves through high productivity modern mechanised mining methods. Preliminary early works related to accessing and excavating the box cut position commenced in the quarter. Full project details will be released once the Implats Board approval processes have been completed.

Meanwhile, Mimosa, a joint ventuire between Implats and Aquarius, reported zero lost time injuries and tonnes milled during the period increased by 2.7% to 690 000 tonnes, compared to 672 000 tonnes in the previous comparable quarter. Platinum production in concentrate of 30 500 ounces was largely unchanged from the prior comparable period.