eBusiness Weekly
BH24 Reporter
HARARE – Shurugwi-based platinum producer, Unki Mine’s output for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017 was down 18 percent to 16 400 ounces. In a production update, parent company Anglo American Platinum attributed the decline to a planned maintenance of the company’s mill feed silo which was completed at the end of last year.
Unki Mine is an underground mine located in the center part of Zimbabwe in Gweru, Midlands Province. Unki represents one of the largest platinum reserves in Zimbabwe having estimated reserves of 34 million oz of platinum.
“Platinum production was down 18 percent to 16 400 ounces and palladium was down 14 percent to 14 200 ounces,” said Amplats. Resultantly, output of the mine’s other platinum group metals (PGM) was also down, sliding 16 percent to 36 600 ounces.
The decline in production at Unki and a flat performance at the South African operations resulted in AngloPlats’ overall PGM production declining 4 percent to 1, 220 million ounces. However, refined PGM sales were up 10 percent to 1 455 600 during the period.
“Independent and comprehensive investigations are under way to understand the circumstances and learn from them to create a safer work environment for all,” reported the group.
“The company remains committed to zero harm and has a comprehensive safety turn-around strategy in place to reverse the disappointing fatality performance.” Unki produces circa 64 000 oz of platinum a year.
