Mishma Chakanyuka, Staff Writer 
ANGLO American Platinum (Amplats)’s Zimbabwean unit, Unki Mine, was the only key platinum group metals (PGM) production division to register meaningful growth in primary mined volumes in 2022.
In its annual report for the year ended December 31, 2022, Amplats said the mined supply of platinum, palladium and rhodium declined in 2022, while platinum and rhodium decreased by 10 percent and nine percent respectively.
“South African output was affected by several factors including increased electricity load-shedding. North American production came under pressure due to flooding, while Russian supplies, despite the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, were largely steady, providing support to palladium volumes, which overall eased by 6 percent on the prior year,” the group said.
PGMs output at the Shurugwi-based Unki mine increased 13 percent to 232 100 ounces in 2022 from 204 600 ounces in 2021.
The miner’s fourth quarter PGM production was, however, 17 percent lower at 52 600 ounces, compared to 63 200 ounces in the last quarter of 2021.
Zimbabwe has the world’s second-largest PGM resource, after South Africa, on the Great Dyke. It has three platinum-producing mines — Zimplats, Mimosa and Unki.
According to the World Platinum Investment Council’s (WPIC) quarterly global production report, platinum production in the country is expected to reach a new high of around 500 000 ounces, up from the 480 000 ounces recorded last year as ongoing project development brings new volumes online.
WPIC highlighted that platinum production in the country decreased by one percent to 480 000 ounces last year from 485 000 ounces recorded in the comparable year, which is attributable to the release of semi-processed inventory in 2021.
The report said the country’s refined production remained unchanged year-on-year, with growth in underlying mine production matching output in 2021, which was boosted by the release of semi-finished inventory.
PGMs are part of the country’s efforts to achieve a US$12 billion mining industry starting this year, and of the US$12 billion, gold, platinum, and diamonds will contribute US$4 billion, US$3 billion and US$1 billion respectively.
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