Zimplats commissions plant, lines up several other major projects
PHILLIMON MHLANGA
Zimbabwe’s largest platinum group miner, Zimplats, yesterday commissioned its third concentrator plant in Ngezi, Mashonaland West Province.
The miner disclosed that it has also lined up several other major projects.
The concentrator is part of the US$1.8bn investment programme approved by the board and shareholders of Implats, its parent company.
The investment will result in production increasing to 4.2m metric tonnes per annum from the current 2.4 metric tonnes.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mines minister Winston Chitando, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the mining sector was moving towards the US$12bn milestone.
“This event (commissioning of the plant) is a culmination of determined efforts by the government of Zimbabwe and Zimplats.
“This plant represents a significant milestone in the value addition of our mineral resources to promote a sustainable mining industry,” Mnangagwa said.
“As we all know, value addition and beneficiation are very key to our economic development. They create jobs, exports and revenue for the government. Therefore, it is our duty as a nation to promote and support industries that add value to our natural resources.”
He said plans by Zimplats to construct a base metal refinery was another giant step forward in local mineral beneficiation and value addition as we move towards full beneficiation of platinum in the country.
He urged other mining houses to follow what Zimplats has done.
Mnangagwa also implored mining companies to invest in new technology, research and development “to ensure we remain competitive and add value to our mineral resources”.
Speaking at the same event, Implats board chairperson, Thandi Orleyn (pictured)said the commissioning of the plant was “our commitment to create a better future for our stakeholders through the metals that we produce”.
“We went through labour pains of making the business a success story. But, today, we are proud investors and moving ahead investing more in Zimbabwe with the on-going US$1.8bn expansion programme of which US$1.4bn has already been approved by the Zimplats board and shareholders,” Orleyn said.
Construction of the plant began in 2021.
The plant was completed in the first quarter of this year.
Zimplats is also pursuing several other projects including a smelter plant, a sulphuric acid plant, base metal refinery, an 185 megawatts solar plant, among many other projects.
Orleyn said several other projects being undertaken will be completed soon.
“Some of the major projects underway include a new and bigger smelter plant at SMC, a sulphuric acid plant that will produce sulphuric acid used in the manufacture of fertiliser for agricultural purposes, a base metal refinery and a 185MW solar plant. The first phase of 35MW plant of the total is earmarked to be completed at the end of next month (July 2023).”
Zimplats decided to invest in Zimbabwe 20 years ago. The mining company resuscitated the BHP operations.
