Zimplats

Published: 14 October 2013

The Platinum Producers Association of Zimbabwe has completed a study on the feasibility of building a platinum refinery in Zimbabwe.

The study was carried out in response to calls from the government of the need for a platinum refinery in order to promote beneficiation.

According to information from the association, at least $2 billion in capital is required for the refinery.

Platinum is one of the country's top foreign currency earners and has raked in $947 million in the first seven months of the year.

The mining sector accounts for 65 percent of export receipts although there is concern over the export of unprocessed minerals.

Zimbabwe's three platinum producing mines are nearing output that would justify the setting up of a refinery.

The Zimbabwean unit of South Africa's Impala Platinum is expected to increase its output to 270000 ounces annually from the current 180000oz following the successful implementation of its phase two expansion project.

Mimosa, jointly owned by Implats and Aquarius Platinum has pland to double it 2012 output of 106,000oz while Anglo Platinum's Unki mine's production currently stands at 62 100oz per annum, and the Chamber of Mines has said that Zimbabwe needs to produce about 500 000oz annually to justify a refinery.


- additional reporting by zbc

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