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As the Selous Metallurgical Complex buzzed with national pride and anticipation, the spotlight turned not only to what ZIMPLATS had built, but to the bold, unwavering vision behind it — a vision carried with conviction, as described by Implats Chairperson Advocate Thandi Orleyn.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Standing before an audience that included His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, government ministers, parliamentarians, traditional leaders, and mining stakeholders during the official commissioning of two significant expansion projects at the mine, Orleyn delivered a powerful message: that Zimplats’ US$1.1 billion investment to date under its 10-year, US$1.8 billion expansion programme is not merely a corporate milestone — it is a promise fulfilled.
“Today, we do more than commission infrastructure — we commission belief,” Orleyn declared. “Belief in the PGM industry’s future, belief in the power of collaboration, and belief in what becomes possible when bold ambition meets sustained action.”
A Journey Forged in Resilience
Orleyn’s remarks traced Zimplats’ journey back to November 2020, when the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Zimbabwe to support the national beneficiation roadmap. That MOU, she said, laid the foundation for the most ambitious expansion drive in Zimbabwe’s platinum sector — one that includes not only mine replacements and upgrades but expanded smelting, the refurbishment of a Base Metal Refinery, a 185MW solar energy programme, and a sulphuric acid abatement plant.
“When we first announced this ambitious programme, many doubted it could be achieved,” she admitted. “Yet, through sheer determination, teamwork and tremendous stakeholder support, I am proud to say that many of our major projects are either completed or nearing completion.”
The Smelter That Defied the Odds
Now officially commissioned, Zimplats’ expanded smelter — delivered at a cost of US$360 million — triples smelting capacity to 380,000 tonnes of concentrate annually. Constructed over 36 months, the facility spans an area equivalent to 12 football fields. It consumed 17,000 cubic metres of concrete, 3,500 tonnes of steel, 18 kilometres of pipework, and 350 kilometres of cabling.
What stands out is how the project prioritised Zimbabwean suppliers and workers. “The majority of materials and labour were sourced locally — except where technology was unavailable,” Orleyn emphasised.
And the impact? Significant. Approximately 1,600 contractors were employed at peak, most from nearby communities. Hatch Technologies, the global smelting solutions giant, partnered with local firms, creating opportunities for skill transfer and sustainable empowerment.
President Mnangagwa himself acknowledged this during his speech, noting that the smelter “has the capacity to accommodate other platinum group metal producers in the country,” and commended Zimplats’ role in promoting industry-wide collaboration.
Lighting the Future: Zimplats’ First 35MW Solar Plant
Alongside the smelter, Zimplats also commissioned the first phase of its solar power programme — a 35MW plant built at a cost of US$37 million. Designed to supply 8% of the company’s total energy needs, the solar farm sits on 109 hectares and features 74,880 PV panels mounted on a single-axis tracking system.
Seven Zimbabwean firms and an Egyptian EPC company delivered the project, employing 800 workers at peak. Beyond just clean energy, Zimplats is exploring dual land use — integrating agriculture beneath the solar arrays to maximise land value.
President Mnangagwa hailed the project as a “momentous occasion” and encouraged others in the mining sector to follow Zimplats’ green example: “This investment of USD37 million in renewable energy is a clear indication that embracing green technologies is not just an environmental imperative but also a smart economic decision.”
What Comes Next: Solar Expansion, Sulphuric Abatement & Refining
Orleyn outlined what lies ahead. Zimplats is preparing to roll out three more phases to bring solar capacity to 185MW by 2031. Phase 2A, already underway, will deliver 45MW at a cost of US$54 million.
But the energy transition is not the only priority. Construction of a sulphur dioxide (SO₂) abatement plant is in progress, with US$68 million of the US$146 million budget already spent. The plant, which will help Zimplats meet global emission standards, will also produce sulphur for fertiliser manufacturing.
Meanwhile, refurbishment of the mothballed Base Metal Refinery continues. US$33 million has been spent so far, and long-lead equipment has already arrived. Process testing was conducted in Australia, suggesting that Zimplats is steadily gearing toward in-country refining — the final step in Zimbabwe’s mineral value chain dream.
Walking the Talk on Empowerment
Adv. Orleyn didn’t just speak about metal and megawatts. She spoke about people. She reminded the audience that Zimplats sees itself not just as an investor, but as a development partner, as a neighbour, as a bridge-builder.
“In 2023, we implemented the first phase of our economic empowerment programme through shareholding in community-owned companies,” she said. “Today, we again witness a further issuance of shareholding, including equity in Woodbase Investments — a company that provides services to solar-related infrastructure.”
President Mnangagwa praised this vision, saying: “Zimplats has also invested in five associate companies where Zimplats Mhondoro-Ngezi, Chegutu, Zvimba Community Share Ownership Trust has shareholding… aimed at creating a sustainable and empowered community.”
Orleyn went further: “We consider ourselves unofficial ambassadors for Zimbabwe. We hosted international delegates during the Canada-Africa Business Symposium, supported ZIDA’s investment drive in Toronto, and recently hosted Swedish delegates. We stand ready to partner on future opportunities that advance the country’s development.”
A Message of Hope, Despite Headwinds
Orleyn acknowledged Zimbabwe’s operational headwinds — inflation, currency volatility, and policy shifts — but insisted that Implats and Zimplats remain confident in the country’s future.
“Over the years that we have been operating in Zimbabwe, the Government remains open to constructive dialogue,” she said. “With your unwavering support, we will continue to grow in Zimbabwe, creating a better future for all our stakeholders, including the communities around our operations.”
