Zimbabwe’s largest platinum mine, Zimplats recorded a 0.8 percent decline in output while the second largest Mimosa in Zvishavane recorded a 3.9 percent increase in the first quarter ended 30 September 2017.
In a production report released today, the world’s second largest platinum miner, Impala Platinum said output at its 87 percent owned Zimplats was down from 1.7 million tonnes recorded in the corresponding period last year, to 1.69 million tonnes.
Production at Mimosa mine in which Implats holds a fifty percent stake, went up to 717 000 tonnes compared to 690 000 tonnes in the previous comparable quarter.
Implats said Zimplats sustained operational performance at above design capacity with mill throughput and grade largely unchanged at 1.69 million tonnes and 3.49 g/t (6E) respectively during the quarter.
“As a result, platinum in concentrate produced at the operation during the quarter remained unchanged at 71 000 ounces. However, platinum in matte was again impacted by scheduled furnace maintenance during the quarter. The furnace was switched off for a planned 49-day sidewall reline at the end of August 2017,” the company said.
Implats added that metal produced from the concentrators during the shutdown period would be exported as concentrate during the quarter ending December 2017.
“Consequently, matte production during the quarter reduced by 7.8 percent to 47 000 ounces, compared to 51 000 ounces in the prior corresponding period.
At Mimosa, the company continued a strong operational performance which also saw platinum production in concentrate increase by 5.6 percent to 32 200 ounces from 30 500 ounces in the prior corresponding period on the back of improved tonnage and a higher mill grade.
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