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Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
THE country’s biggest platinum producer, Zimplats, recorded a 0.8 percent reduction in output while its sister company Mimosa recorded a 3.9 percent increase in the first quarter ended September 30, 2017.

In a production update released this week, the world’s second largest platinum producer Implats, which owns 87 percent and 50 percent shares in Zimplats and Mimosa respectively, did not give reasons for the decline in output at the Mashonaland West-based mine.

During the period under review, Zimplats sustained operational performance at above design capacity with mill throughput and grade largely unchanged at 1.69 million tonnes and 3.49 h’t (6E) respectively.

At Mimosa, Implats indicated that the Midlands-based platinum miner achieved a 3.9 percent production increase to 717 000 tonnes compared to 690 000 tonnes in the previous comparable quarter.

“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. 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,” said Implats.

It said 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 000oz, compared to 51 000oz in the prior corresponding period.

Platinum production was strong at Mimosa during the period under review resulting 32 200oz being produced from 30 500oz in the prior corresponding period on the back of improved tonnage and a higher mill grade. — @okazunga.