Zimbabwe Platinum Holdings (Zimplats) recorded an increase in platinum production for its third quarter to March 31 2020, rising 32% to 69 987 ounces (oz) from 53 107oz in the previous quarter.

6E production was up 31% to 151 620oz from 115 908 over the same period.

The platinum miner’s production of mined ore was impacted by less operating days in the period under review and decreased marginally from the previous quarter.

Tonnes milled, however, increased by 2% due to higher running time.

“Running time in the previous quarter was affected by the planned mill reline shutdown at the Selous Metallurgical Complex (SMC) concentrator plant. 6E metal production increased by 31% from the previous quarter,” said Zimplats.

“During the previous period metal production was impacted by an increase in concentrate stocks and build-up of inventory in the furnace after a major rebuild shutdown.

“Some concentrate stocks produced in the previous quarter were smelted in the quarter under review.”

Operating cash costs decreased by 3% from the previous quarter.

As a result of the smelting of concentrates stockpiled in the
previous quarter, US$2.2 million was transferred from opening stock to operating cost.

In the previous quarter US$6.9 million was transferred from operating costs to closing stocks.

Operating cash cost per 6E ounce decreased by 18% from the previous
quarter largely as a result of the 31% increase in 6E metal production.