Platinum group metals (PGM) producer, Mimosa, has announced its decision to process ore at Zimplats’ base metal refinery starting next year, abandoning plans for an independent refinery at its Zvishavane premises due to economic feasibility concerns.
Mimosa’s General Manager, Stephen Ndiyamba, clarified last week that after feasibility studies, the construction of a local refinery plant at the Zvishavane site was deemed economically unviable. Despite this setback, Ndiyamba emphasized Mimosa’s commitment to local beneficiation in alignment with government policy. As an alternative, the company will channel its concentrate for beneficiation at Zimplats beginning next year.
The move coincides with Zimplats’ board approval for a US$200 million refurbishment of its mothballed base metal refinery (BMR) at the Selous Metallurgical Complex. This strategic investment is part of Zimplats’ broader capital plan of US$1.8 billion over a 10-year period from 2021.
Mineral beneficiation aligns with the government’s target of achieving a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023. The Chamber of Mines’ State of Mining Industry Survey Report for 2024 revealed that PGM producers, including Mimosa, have formalized commitments with Zimplats to consolidate this arrangement.
