Zimplats is considering bringing its mothballed Hartley mine back into production, more than two decades after it was placed under care and maintenance, as stronger platinum prices prompt a review of long-stalled assets, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Ryan Chigoche
The mine, acquired from BHP in 2001 when Impala Platinum took control of Zimplats, was shut in 1998 after failing to meet production targets.
Now, with prices surging 36% in the second quarter of 2025, driven by rising Chinese demand and supply disruptions in South Africa, the company is reassessing its future.
“Zimplats is conducting studies and trials to develop a safe and efficient mechanised mining method for reopening the mine,” said Impala board chair Thandi Orleyn at the commissioning of a 35 MW solar plant in Selous recently.
However, she gave no timelines or production estimates.
The renewed focus on Hartley comes after two years of weak platinum group metal prices forced Impala and its peers to cut costs and shelve major capital projects. In 2024, Zimplats deferred parts of its US$1.8 billion expansion programme due to subdued market conditions.
Despite the slowdown, the miner has pressed ahead with infrastructure development, completing the first phase of a 185 MW solar project and expanding its smelter.
Both were officially commissioned this week alongside the new solar facility.
Zimplats aims to complete all outstanding capital works, including a refurbishment of its base metal refinery, by 2031.
If studies confirm Hartley’s viability, the project could become a cornerstone of its long-term growth plans.
