Mimosa to Use Zimplats’ Refinery
Mimosa Mining Company has entered into an agreement with the country’s largest platinum group metal (PGM) producer, Zimplats, to use the latter’s Base Metal Refinery (BMR) to ensure the country maximizes benefits from PGMs.
by Rudairo Mapuranga
According to Mimosa Mining Company General Manager Stephen Ndiyamba, the company is unable to set up its own processing facility due to a limited resource base.
Zimplats is currently constructing the BMR, which has the capacity to toll process ores from other PGM producers.
“Regarding beneficiation, Mimosa is unable to set up its own facility due to a limited resource base. However, we can utilize local beneficiation facilities as they become available. Zimplats is currently constructing a facility that can accommodate feed from Mimosa, and an agreement is in place for this arrangement,” stated Ndiyamba.
However, it should be noted that Zimplats has deferred its BMR refurbishment.
The country’s largest PGM producer is postponing the execution of the Selous Base Metal Refinery (BMR).
According to Impala Platinum (Implats), which owns Zimplats, Zimbabwe’s largest PGM producer will also delay other projects in the country, including the 185MW solar plant, due to softening commodity prices which has seen some workers losing their jobs.