New concentrator starts paying dividends for Zimplats
Zimplats Holding Limited’s third concentrator commissioned earlier this year, benefitted the group’s 6E matte production, according to parent company Implats’ trading statement for the year ended June 30, 2023.
The mining firm said despite the impact of lower grades and regional power disruptions, the company delivered a 5 percent increase in 6E matte production to 611 000 ounces. The third concentrator investment is part of the US$1,8 billion investment plan aimed at bolstering Zimplats capacity.
Zimplats’ expansion programme approved and adopted in 2021 comprises nine projects in Ngezi, including the concentrator and will be implemented over a 10-year period.
The concentrator plant process platinum group metals ore including platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium from the mine through crushing, milling, floatation and filtration.
The plan will see the current production volume of 2,4 tonnes per annum increase to 4,2 million tonnes per annum.
According to Implats, the Zimbabwean national grid was severely affected by loadshedding in March 2023, while intermittent power outages further impacted operations at the Mimosa facility in May and June.
The Group estimates that approximately 36,000 ounces of 6E production were regrettably forgone across the managed and joint venture operations in southern Africa during the specified period.
Out of this total, 28 000 6E ounces can be attributed to Impala Rustenburg operations, while the remaining 8 000 6E ounces are attributable to the Zimbabwean operations.
“These challenges have undoubtedly influenced the overall production performance within the southern African region,” the group said.
The mining industry, which heavily depends on a substantial electricity supply, is currently grappling with power challenges that have led to a significant reduction in productivity.
The commissioning of the third concentrator at Zimplats, originally costing US$94 million, has paved the way for increased production, resulting in an additional annual production capacity of approximately 80,000 ounces of 6E, necessitating a higher demand for power.
Recognising the importance of sustainable energy solutions, Implats has already formulated plans to construct a significant 185MW solar plant to support Zimplats’ operations in Zimbabwe.
As the largest platinum group metals producer in the country, Zimplats has applied to establish a 105 MW plant at Ngezi where its mines and two concentrators are situated.
Additionally, Implats plans to build an 85 MW plant in the nearby Selous area, where a smelter and concentrator are located.
Currently, Zimplats relies on imported power from Mozambique’s Hydro Cahora Bassa. Zimplats other projects which are part of the US$1,8 billion expansion programme includes development of Mupani Mine to replace Rukodzi and Ngwarati mines.
The total cost of Mupani project is US$388 million. Other projects include a sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions abatement at a cost of US$200 million and smelter expansion at US$280 million at Selous Metallurgical Complex (SMC). A platinum group metals (PGM) base metal refinery plant at SMC at a cost of US$200 million is also part of the projects lined up by the mining giant.-ebusinessweekly
