Tonnes milled by platinum group metals producer Zimbabwe Platinum Mines Limited increased by three per cent over the 12 months to June 30th, it has been reported. According to Mining Weekly, a record 2.2 million tonnes was milled by the company, in which Impala Platinum holds a controlling stake.

Meanwhile, 1.7 million tonnes were milled at the Mimosa operation, Zimbabwe's oldest platinum mine. This represents a two per cent increase in production on the previous year at the mine, the ownership of which is split down the middle between Impala Platinum and Aquarius Platinum.

However, rising input costs mean units expenses have increased by 30 per cent at the Zimbabwean mines - although Impala Platinum CEO David Brown has stressed that both operations remain "extremely competitive".

Mr Brown went on to say that there would have to be an economic revival in Zimbabwe Impala Platinum to commit to further investment in the country. "We would also need an investment climate that is more certain," he confirmed in an interview with Mining Weekly.



Source:

Implats can be 'very instrumental' in Zimbabwe’s economic reconstruction, says CEO David Brown, 05/09/08
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