Online Reporter
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
PLATINUM producer Zimplats recorded a 179 percent surge in 6E metal production in converter matte in the quarter ending 30 June 2026, driven by the processing of concentrate stockpiles accumulated during planned furnace maintenance.
According to the company’s quarterly report for the period ended 30 June 2026, 6E metal production in converter matte rose to 213,190 ounces from the previous quarter, representing a 179 percent increase.
Production was also 14 percent higher than in the corresponding period last year.
The company attributed the strong performance to the processing of 63 000 ounces of 6E concentrate inventory that had accumulated during furnace maintenance undertaken in the third quarter.
As a result, concentrate inventory declined significantly to 24 000 6E ounces at the end of the reporting period.
“6E metal production in converter matte increased by 179 percent from the prior quarter to 213,190 ounces and was 14 percent higher year-on-year, primarily due to the processing of 63 000 6E ounces of concentrate inventory accumulated during the furnace maintenance in the third quarter,” said Zimplats in the quarterly report for the period to June 2026.
Zimplats, however, indicated that a major furnace maintenance programme is scheduled for September and October 2026.
The shutdown is expected to lead to another build-up of concentrate inventory, which the company plans to process and release by the end of the third quarter of the 2027 financial year.
Operationally, the miner also reported improved milling performance during the quarter.
Milled volumes increased by nine per cent from the preceding quarter and by six per cent compared with the same period last year, supported by higher mining volumes and stable plant operations.
Although lower ore grades and adjustments to mass pull resulted in slight changes to concentrator recoveries, improved throughput lifted 6E metal in concentrate production by nine per cent from the previous quarter to 173 186 ounces.
On a year-on-year basis, concentrate production increased by 3 percent.
Beyond operational performance, the company said progress continued across its strategic capital projects, which are expected to underpin future production growth and operational sustainability.
Development of the Mupani Mine remains on schedule to achieve its targeted full production capacity of 3,6 million tonnes per annum by the 2029 financial year.
Cumulative expenditure on the project reached US$364 million by the end of the reporting period against an approved budget of US$386 million, with underground mine development, equipment installation and infrastructure works progressing according to schedule.
The smelter expansion and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) abatement project also remained on track.
“Delivery of the outstanding scope remains on track, with cumulative expenditure at period end totalling US$478 million, compared with the budget of US$544 million,” said Zimplats.
Construction of the 45-megawatt Phase 2A solar power project made significant progress during the quarter and is expected to be completed in the 2027 financial year.
Once commissioned, the project will increase Zimplats’ total installed solar generation capacity to 80MW, strengthening the company’s renewable energy portfolio and reducing reliance on grid electricity. Cumulative expenditure reached US$45 million against a budget of US$54 million.
Meanwhile, Phase One of the Tailings Storage Facility expansion was completed within budget at a total cost of US$25 million.
Phase Two also advanced during the quarter, with US$8 million invested, bringing total expenditure across both phases to US$33 million, compared with the approved budget of US$43 million.
The firm said the expanded tailings storage facility will provide sufficient capacity to support concentrator operations through to the 2049 financial year, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of its mining operations.
