Unki PGM output forecast to reach 250 000oz in 2023
Platinum group metals (PGMs) production at Unki Mine is projected to reach 250 000
ounces in 2023 up from 232 100 ounces in 2022 following the completion of the
debottlenecking project.
Unki’s debottleneck project, which was completed in 2021 and reached optimum
production last year, was done at a cost of US$48 million with the expansion targeted to
increase throughput capacity.
Unki, 100 percent owned by Anglo Platinum America, has its operations on the Great
Dyke in Zimbabwe, 60km southeast of the town of Gweru.
Anglo-Platinum America, in its 2022 annual report, said to achieve the right economies
of scale in Zimbabwe and South Africa, more investment was needed to increase
production, adding growth of mining, in particular, drove other sectors.
As a result, AngloPlat said Unki mine strategy will focus on delivering safe profitable
production on a continuous basis, implementing new technology and controlling costs to
remain competitive.
“Currently there are 17 mining sections. The equipped sections have strike belts for
transferring ore directly to the main incline shaft conveyor. Run-of-mine ore is
processed at the 210 000 tonnes per month (tpm) concentrator plant on-site.
“The recent debottlenecking exercise on the concentrator increased capacity from 180
000tpm to treat up to 210,000tpm,” read part of the annual report.
The platinum giant said in light of power challenges obtaining in Zimbabwe, Unki is
expediting opportunities for the development of alternative energy supply, currently
focusing on a solar plant.
According to AngloPlat, PGM prices were firm in 2022, though with considerable
volatility, however, the three main PGMs will be in deficit this year, reflecting solid
demand and weak supply.
“Looking further out, fundamentals for PGMs remain attractive. Rising demand from
many existing sectors, and measures underway to develop new PGM-using applications,
will support sustainable growth.
“Rising battery-electric vehicle penetration is a downside risk, but there are major
opportunities from fuel-cell vehicles, hydrogen, and given PGMs’ unique qualities, the
broader energy transition,” said AngloPlat.
At the moment Zimbabwe has three PGMs producing companies. In addition to Unkie,
there also are Zimplats and Mimosa.
According to the latest World Platinum Investment Council’s (WPIC) report, Zimbabwe’s
platinum production is projected to grow by 5 percent this year to around 500 000 ounces
driven by ongoing project development by existing producers.
The country is estimated to host the world’s second-largest platinum group metals
resource, after South Africa.
Zimbabwe envisions growing its mining to a US$12 billion industry by 2023. PGMs are
expected to contribute US$3 billion with production expected to jump from about 979
000 ounces in 2018 to about 2,5 billion ounces annually in 2023.
Gold, diamonds will contribute US$4 billion and US$1 billion respectively, while chrome,
iron ore and carbon steel will contribute US$$1 billion while coal and hydrocarbons will
contribute the same. Lithium at US$500 000 while other minerals will constitute US$1.5
billion.-The Herald
