Unki platinum production up 4%

Published: 25 April 2014

Anglo-American Platinum Limited (Amplats) says its Zimbabwean unit, Unki Mine, which recorded a 4 percent increase in production, helped to cushion losses incurred in the South African mines whose operations were affected by labour unrest.

The local unit of the world's number one platinum producer, Unki continues to record increase in production with latest figures released by the parent firm, Amplats indicating that output at the mine improved by 4 percent during the first quarter of the year.

According to the firm, the increase in production performance is attributed to higher volumes delivered to the concentrator.

The recent surge in production is in line with Unki Mine's target of maintaining the current production level of 63 200 ounces annually.

While the Amplats Zimbabwean unit recorded impressive figures, the group's South African mines were heavily affected by industrial action.

Rustenburg, Amandelbult and Union were the operations most affected by the industrial action and production decreased by 84 percent, 75 percent and 86 percent respectively.

According to Amplats, during the period under review, 185 000 ounces of platinum were lost as a result of the strike from all operations.

The local mining sector continues to lead the country's economic recovery, accounting for over 50 percent of the country's annual exports.

The sector's maximum contribution to the economic growth has been affected by lack of investment in exploration, failure to value-add and the continued fall in metal prices on the international market.
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