Zimbabwe’s platinum production is expected to remain broadly stable for the rest of 2026, despite a sharp decline in first-quarter output caused by maintenance work at the country’s largest producer, latest industry projections say.
New figures from the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) indicate that Zimbabwe is forecast to produce about 508 000 ounces of platinum in 2026, marginally below the 516 000 ounces recorded last year.
The council attributed the anticipated stability to consistent production from the country’s major platinum operations, even as temporary disruptions affected output earlier in the year.
In its latest report, the WPIC said first-quarter platinum production in Zimbabwe fell 26 percent compared to the same period last year, dropping to 84 000 ounces, the lowest quarterly output in a decade.
“Furnace maintenance led to constrained output, with operations only restarting in mid-March,” the council said.
“As a result, the processing of 29 000 ounces of semi-finished inventory was deferred to the next quarter.”
The report said the stockpile created during the maintenance shutdown at Zimplats is expected to be processed in the second quarter, helping to stabilise annual production figures.
Zimbabwe holds the world’s second-largest known platinum reserves after South Africa and remains one of the region’s most significant platinum producers through operations at Zimplats, Mimosa and Unki.
Several new platinum ventures are also at various stages of development, including the Karo Platinum project, Great Dyke Investments, Bravura and Mutapa Platinum Group projects, developments expected to strengthen the country’s long-term output capacity.
Mining analysts say platinum is likely to remain one of Zimbabwe’s most important mineral exports for years to come, supported by ongoing investment in processing infrastructure and improved reporting discipline among established platinum group metals producers.