Zimplats has announced a 4 percent rise in platinum output for the quarter ending June 30, 2019 to 67 978 ounces from the prior quarter.

Ore mined during the period totaled 1 673 tonnes, although ore milled took a hit due to operational stoppages during the period.

This however did not adversely affect six elements (6E) metal production.

“Despite the decrease in volume of ore milled, 6E metal production in final product increased by three percent mainly due to metal recovered from draining the furnace for the major rebuild, which commenced on 10 June 2019,” said management.

6E production for the quarter to June 30, 2019 increased 3 percent to 147 136 ounces compared to 143 446 ounces achieved in the previous quarter.

On a year-on-year basis, 6E (which consists of platinum, palladium, gold, rhodium, ruthenium and iridium) rose 6 percent, attributable to metal recovered from draining the furnace for the major rebuild, which commenced on 10 June 2019.

Production during the period was blighted by the one fatality recorded at the company’s subsidiary, Mupfuti Mine.

In terms of financial performance, Zimplats said the operating cash cost per platinum ounce decreased by 12 percent from the previous quarter, mainly due to a 10 percent decrease in operating cost s and a 2 percent increase in platinum production.

Operating cost decreased from the previous quarter mainly due to improved efficiencies.

The group spent around US$2.6 million was spent on exploration during the quarter under review.