Despite low platinum prices, Zimplats has pushed forward with major upgrades, completing a new mine expansion and commissioning the first phase of its 34MW solar plant. This solar project is part of a larger 185MW plan to support the company’s US$1.8 billion expansion drive.
Zimplats has also started producing matte from its newly upgraded smelter, which is expected to improve processing capacity and lower energy costs, according to its parent company, Implats.
The Bimha Mine upgrade is now complete, boosting output from 2 million to 3.1 million tonnes per year, with Mupani Mine being developed to reach 3.6 million tonnes annually by 2029.
So far, Zimplats has spent US$413 million on its projects, nearing the total budget of US$468 million. An additional US$412 million has gone into the smelter and sulphuric acid abatement plant, with a final budget of US$544 million.
The company is also investing US$190 million into a base metal refinery, which will process platinum from other miners, meeting government demands for local refining.
