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Business Reporter

Global platinum producer, Impala Platinum Holdings Limited recorded an increase in output at Zimplats and Mimosa Mines for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Zimplats platinum production in matte for the quarter increased to 89 000 platinum ounces from 52 000 for the quarter ended 31 March 2015 as a result of increased milling rate and the release of stockpiled concentrates following a furnace outage in the final quarter of 2015.Tonnes milled during the quarter increased 30 percent to 1,65 million tonnes compared to 1,26 million tonnes reported in the prior corresponding period.

Mill throughput for Zimplats over the nine-month period ended 31 March 2016 increased 27 percent to 4,77 million tonnes, compared to 3,74 million tonnes in the corresponding prior period.

“The higher throughput was directly attributable to the measures implemented to recover production loses as a result of the safety closure of the Bimha Mine in August 2014.

“Platinum in matte for the nine months ended 31 March 2016 was 42 percent higher at 220 000 ounces, compared to 155 000 platinum ounces in the prior comparable period,” said Impala Platinum Limited in a statement yesterday.

The platinum mining group said Zimplats continues to engage with the Government of Zimbabwe with regards to the indiginisation implementation plan and the securing of a more conducive regulatory and fiscal framework for the mining industry in Zimbabwe.

Tonnes milled at Mimosa during the quarter increased 8,7 percent to 676 000 tonnes from 622 000 tonnes recorded in the quarter ended 31 March 2015 as additional material was milled from the stockpile.

Platinum in concentrate production for the quarter increased as a result of the increased mill throughput to 30 000 ounces (28 000 ounces in the quarter ended 31 March 2015).

Tonnes milled during the nine-month period ended 31 March 2016 increased 3,3 percent to 1,99 million tonnes, compared to 1,92 million tonnes in the corresponding prior period.

The increased throughput resulted in 2,3 percent higher platinum in concentrate production of 90 000 platinum ounces compared to 88 000 platinum ounces in the prior comparable period.

Impala’s gross refined platinum production for the quarter ended 31 March 2016 increased by 17 percent to 353 000 platinum ounces, compared to 301 000 platinum ounces in the prior comparable period.

The platinum mining group said the increase is largely as a result of increased output from Zimplats, good operational performances from Marula,

Two Rivers and Mimosa, higher volumes from Impala Refining Services, as well as the release of material stockpiled ahead of the smelter.