Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. ZIMBABWE’S largest platinum producer, Zimplats, has commissioned a US$398 million smelter expansion project as part of Harare’s wider policy drive to boost local beneficiation and maximise value addition for export.
The newly-completed 38 megawatt (MW) furnace, delivered within 36 months, will triple Zimplats’ smelting capacity to 380 000 tonnes of concentrate per annum — equivalent to 1,09 million ounces of platinum group metals (PGMs).
Speaking at the official commissioning of the expanded smelter and the first phase of the 185MW solar project, Mines minister Winston Chitando said the investment marked a major leap in industrial capacity.
“This US$398 million investment, initiated in December 2021, is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Zimplats to enhancing its operational capacity and contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic growth,” he said.
“With Hatch as the EPCM contractor, we have witnessed the construction of a state-of-the-art 38MW furnace, a marvel of engineering that will triple Zimplats’ smelting capacity to an impressive 380 000 tonnes per annum of concentrate, equivalent to 1,09 million ounces of 6E.”
Zimplats, a subsidiary of Johannesburg-listed Impala Platinum, contracted Canada-based Hatch as the EPCM [engineering, procurement and construction management] partner.
The plant, located in the mineral-rich Great Dyke region, now features a fully-integrated smelting complex with advanced automation, digital process control and emission mitigation systems.
Industry analysts say the smelter will enhance the global competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s PGM output, as international buyers prioritise traceability and responsible sourcing.
The commissioning is expected to reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence in toll refining on neighbouring South Africa, cutting costs and helping to retain greater economic value within the country.
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