Mimosa Mining Company’s 6E concentrate production fell by 6% to 239,100 ounces in the financial year ended 30 June 2026, with intermittent power interruptions and increasingly complex geology affecting processing stability at the Zimbabwean platinum operation, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to production figures released by major shareholder Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats), Mimosa’s 6E concentrate volumes declined from the previous year as mining activities moved towards the extremities of the orebody.
Implats said processing stability was affected by intermittent power interruptions during the year, while the operation also encountered increased volumes of oxidised ore as mining progressed through more complex geological conditions.
The production decline comes as Mimosa’s existing mining area matures, increasing the importance of the company’s plans to develop the North Hill project as a longer-term replacement for its current South Hill operations.
North Hill Project Revived
Mimosa is reviving its approximately US$130 million North Hill life-extension project, which was placed on hold in 2024 amid weak platinum-group metals prices and challenging operating conditions.
The project is designed to replace the existing South Hill operation and potentially extend Mimosa’s mine life by about 15 years.
Mimosa General Manager Stephen Ndiyamba said the project could provide a significant extension to the operation’s productive life.
“This has the potential to replace our current operations at South Hill and increase life of mine by about 15 years,” Ndiyamba said.
North Hill was previously suspended as Mimosa responded to weaker PGM prices and rising operating pressures. At the time, the company said the project could not be justified under the prevailing market conditions.
The revival of the project signals a more positive outlook for Mimosa’s longer-term investment plans as PGM market conditions improve.
Production Pressures
Mimosa’s weaker output reflects both operational and geological pressures.
The mine processed 2.87 million tonnes during the year, down 1.4%, while the average 6E grade declined by 1.9% to 3.54 grams per tonne.
The combination of lower tonnes milled, lower grades, power interruptions and increased oxidised ore weighed on concentrate production.
The challenges highlight the importance of developing replacement mining areas as Mimosa progresses towards the limits of its current orebody.
For Zimbabwe’s PGM industry, the North Hill investment could therefore become an important long-term development, providing Mimosa with additional operating life while supporting continued production from one of the country’s established platinum operations.
Implats said its full financial results for the year ended 30 June 2026 are scheduled for release on 3 September 2026.
