Unki production increases by 3 percent
Anglo-American Platinum (AMPLATS) platinum group metals (PGM) producer Unki Mine in Shurugwi recorded a 3 per cent increase in production during the quarter ended 30 September 2023 compared to the previous quarter ended 30 June 2023.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Unki PGM production during the third quarter of 2023 increased by 3 per cent to 60 500 ounces compared to 59 000 ounces produced during the second quarter of 2023. Unki also recorded a 1 per cent increase during the quarter compared to the third quarter of 2022 in which the mine accounted for 59 900 ounces.
Despite mining through higher internal waste areas, Unki Mine PGM production increased by 2 per cent during the first half year compared to the same period last year.
The mine’s total PGM production during the half year of 2023 was at 121 500 ounces compared to 119 600 ounces produced during the period 1 January to 30 June of 2022.
However, Unki PGM production decreased by 11 per cent to 59,000 ounces against 66,300 ounces produced during the comparable period of 2022. The decreased production was a result of mining through planned higher internal waste areas.
The PGM also took a 6 percent decrease during the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023 where production was at 62 500 ounces.
Amplats total PGM production in Q3 2023 decreased by 2 per cent against the prior period (Q3 2022) to 1,029,600 ounces, with platinum production decreasing by 1 per cent to 475,900 ounces, and palladium production decreasing by 3 per cent to 314,800 ounces.
PGM production from own-managed mines
Total PGM production from own-managed mines decreased by 3 percent to 568,200 ounces primarily due to lower production from Mogalakwena and Amandelbult.
PGM production at Mogalakwena decreased by 5 per cent to 246,800 ounces. In line with guidance, we continued to mine lower grades at Mogalakwena which resulted in a 3 per cent reduction in 4E built-up head grade to 2.75g/t from 2.84g/t in Q3 2022.
PGM production from Amandelbult achieved a 25 per cent improvement against Q2 2023 which equates to a 4 per cent decrease to 184,900 ounces against the prior period which was driven primarily by continued lower available ore reserves as a result of poor ground conditions at Amandelbult’s Dishaba Mine. Improving ore reserve availability at Dishaba Lower remains a priority.
Unki and Mototolo PGM production increased by 1 per cent against the prior period.
PGM production from Joint Operations (50% own-mined production and 50% purchase of concentrate)
Total PGM production from Joint Operations increased by 2 per cent to 195,000 ounces.
Total Modikwa PGM production increased by 5 per cent against the prior quarter to 79,200 ounces due to increased grades and recoveries.
Total Kroondal PGM production decreased by 1 percent to 115,800 ounces.
Purchases of PGM concentrate from third parties
Purchases of PGM concentrate (POC) from third parties of 266,300 ounces are in line with the prior period.