Valterra Platinum-owned Unki Mine in Shurugwi has reported an 8% year-on-year decline in total platinum group metals (PGM) production for the third quarter of 2025, according to the company’s latest operational update, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The mine produced 57,500 ounces of PGMs in Q3 2025, down from 62,500 ounces in the same period last year. The company attributed the decrease primarily to an expected lower ore grade in the current mining area, a common challenge in the lifecycle of a mining operation.
The production figures, detailed in the report, show a broad-based decline across all key metals. Underpinning this drop was a 5% reduction in tonnes of ore milled, which fell to 653,000 tonnes from 687,000 tonnes in Q3 2024. Furthermore, the crucial 4E built-up head grade—a measure of the concentration of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold in the ore—slipped marginally by 1% to 3.28 grams per tonne.
A detailed breakdown of the production highlights the following declines:
- Platinum (Pt): Output decreased by 5% to 26,600 ounces.
- Palladium (Pd): Saw a significant 10% drop to 21,700 ounces.
- Rhodium (Rh): Also fell by 10% to 2,500 ounces.
- Other PGMs: Production was down 8% to 6,700 ounces.
Despite the weaker quarterly performance, Unki Mine continues to be recognized for its operational stability and efficiency. The challenges faced are presented as largely geological—a natural result of the ore body’s characteristics—rather than stemming from operational failures or external disruptions. This contrasts with some PGM operations in South Africa, which have recently grappled with severe issues such as load-shedding and community unrest.
As a key asset within the Valterra Platinum portfolio and a major contributor to Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange earnings, Unki’s consistent performance remains vital. The mine’s ability to navigate geological variations demonstrates strong management and technical planning. This operational resilience is crucial as the global PGM market adapts to evolving demand dynamics, particularly the long-term transition towards electric vehicles, which impacts the traditional autocatalyst sector.
Unki’s output continues to anchor the Zimbabwean mining sector, reinforcing the country’s position as a significant player in the global platinum market.
