Zimbabwe Platinum Mines has announced the first phase of a major development programme which will eventually see the opening of two new mines.

The company's Chief Operating Officer, Jack Murehwa, has announced that the group has already begun work on the new development, investing $258 million into the scheme, which will also see the delivery of a new concentrator at Ngezi.

"In the long term, the overall investment has the potential to create about 8,000 direct and 80,000 indirect jobs, and increasing significantly our current platinum production levels," explained Mr Murehwa at the University of Zimbabwe.

The Herald reports that Mr Murehwa also revealed that the company is looking to improve its corporate social responsibility efforts and the new development will be accompanied by the creation of amenities at Ngezi, making it an attractive place for workers to live.

Although Mr Murehwa said the new underground mines would significantly increase platinum levels, he did not comment on how high the company's platinum production would reach.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd