Zimplats, Zimbabwe’s largest platinum group metal producer, is making rapid progress in its efforts to further beneficiate matte to produce refined metallic products. The company has already invested about US$20 million in the refurbishment of the mothballed Base Metal Refinery (BMR) at Selous Metallurgical Complex, a project estimated to cost around US$200 million.
The BMR, which separates minerals like nickel, chrome, and copper from platinum metal groups, is being modernized to overcome the challenges posed by outdated technology. The refurbished BMR is designed to process an equivalent of 5,200 tonnes of nickel and associated base metals contained in converter matte.
According to Busi Chindove, Zimplats Corporate Affairs Manager, equipment for the BMR project has been purchased and is either on site or in transit. The current expenditure for the project stands at about US$20 million.
Speaking recently Mines and Mining Development Minister, Zhemu Soda, stated that the government has identified value-addition and beneficiation across all sectors of the economy as key measures towards setting the economy on a sustainable growth path. He added that Zimplats’ move to refurbish the BMR will add value to the country’s PGM and also create jobs for the people.
