Impala Platinum has confirmed that the $340 million Phase 1 expansion of the Zimplats mine has now been completed.

The world's second-largest platinum producer has overseen the development of two underground mines, Portal 1 and Portal 4, plus the assembling of a new concentrator.

Portal 1 reached full production of one million tonnes per year in December 2008, while Portal 4 is expected to hit its maximum annual output of two million tonnes by 2011.

In addition to Phase 1 - which should provide about 180,000 oz of platinum per year - the company's board is set to approve the Phase 2 expansion project in early 2010.

This initiative also involves developing a new underground mine and concentrator, with the aim of increasing production by between 80,000 oz and 100,000 oz per year.

Impala CEO David Brown confirmed that he expects 170,000 oz of platinum to be mined at Zimplats in the 2010 production year, moving up to 180,000 oz for 2011.

"Future growth at Zimplats depends on economic and political stability in Zimbabwe," he said in an interview with Mining Weekly.

"Various expansion options are currently being investigated and future expansion could involve the development of underground mines, another concentrator, a dam and a new smelter."

Impala Platinum revealed recently that increased output in Zimbabwe contributed to its six per cent platinum production rise during the quarter ended 30th September 2009.

Source:

Zimplats expansion on track (04/12/09)

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