Sidumisile Mabena
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimbabwe’s largest platinum producer, Zimplats secured and restructured other loan facilities during the half year ended 31 December 2025, with some facilities fully settled while others have been extended to support working capital requirements.
In its half-year financial report, the group said it had successfully repaid and closed a short-term facility with Ecobank Bank of Zimbabwe Limited, while extending other facilities with Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe and FBC Crown Bank of Zimbabwe Limited.
On the Ecobank facility, the company said, “The Group previously secured a short-term loan facility of ZWG127 million (equivalent to US$5 million), bearing interest at 40% per annum, to fund working capital requirements.
“The facility permitted multiple drawdowns, each with a maximum repayment period of 180 days, and was due to expire on 30 November 2025. During the current period, the Group repaid all amounts drawn under the ZWG127 million short-term loan facility, and the facility has been fully settled.”
The miner also updated shareholders on its funding arrangement with Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe.
“During the prior year, an overdraft facility of US$35 million was converted to a short-term loan facility of US$41 million at an interest of 10% per annum to fund working capital requirements During the current period, the facility was extended for another year and will expire on 30 November 2026. The Group had drawn down US$35 million as at 31 December 2025.”
The extension of the Stanbic facility provides continued liquidity support as the group advances its expansion and replacement projects.
Meanwhile, Zimplats also extended its short-term facility with FBC Crown Bank of Zimbabwe Limited.
“A short-term loan facility of ZWG135 million (equivalent to US$5 million) at an interest of 45% per annum to fund working capital requirements, expired on 31 December 2025. During the current period, the facility was extended to 28 February 2026. The Group had drawn down ZWG30 million (an equivalent of US$1.1 million) on the facility as at 31 December 2025.”
The mix of local currency and United States dollar-denominated facilities reflects the company’s strategy to align its funding structure with operational requirements and prevailing market conditions.
Zimplats’ ability to settle one facility in full while successfully negotiating extensions on others demonstrates continued lender confidence in the miner’s balance sheet strength and long-term prospects in the platinum sector.
The developments come as the group continues to optimise production and manage costs in line with global platinum group metals market dynamics, positioning itself for sustainable growth.
Online Reporter