Zimplats has invested more than US$2,6 billion cumulatively in Zimbabwe since commencing operations in 2001, with the platinum producer pursuing a long-term expansion strategy aimed at building a fully integrated and globally competitive mining business.
The investment has been rolled out in phases over more than two decades, covering mine development, processing infrastructure, smelting capacity and renewable energy projects.
Speaking at the platinum group metals (PGMs) symposium during last week’s Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe annual conference, Zimplats chief executive Alex Mhembere said the company’s investment journey began with the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Ngezi mining assets.
The initial phase, implemented between 2001 and 2005, focused on establishing open-pit mining operations and developing critical infrastructure on the Great Dyke.
According to Mhembere, Zimplats followed this with a US$340 million Phase One expansion between 2006 and 2010, which included the commissioning of the two-million-tonne-per-annum Bimha Mine and construction of an additional concentrator module at Ngezi to increase processing capacity.
The company then embarked on a US$492 million Phase Two expansion between 2011 and 2015.
During that period, Zimplats achieved 10 million fatality-free shifts, rebuilt the Bimha Mine following a major underground collapse and contributed more than US$10 million towards a community share ownership trust.
Following a stabilisation phase between 2016 and 2020, during which the company focused on improving underground mining operations and resolving mining tenure issues, Zimplats launched its current US$1,8 billion expansion programme.
Presenting remarks on behalf of Mhembere, Stanley Segula said the latest investment programme extends beyond increasing production capacity.
“The expansion programme is not simply about increasing output. It is about creating a globally competitive, integrated and sustainable mining business,” Segula said.
As part of the ongoing expansion, Zimplats commissioned its third concentrator plant at Ngezi at a cost of US$104 million, increasing milling capacity by 0,9 million tonnes per annum from the previous capacity of 6,7 million tonnes.
The company also completed an US$82 million upgrade of the Bimha Mine in June 2024, increasing production capacity from two million tonnes per annum to 3,1 million tonnes.
In December 2024, Zimplats commissioned a US$383 million smelter expansion project capable of processing 380 000 tonnes of concentrate annually, creating additional capacity to accommodate future production growth, including material from third-party suppliers.
The miner also completed the first phase of the Selous Metallurgical Complex Tailings Storage Facility expansion at a cost of US$25 million.
Development work continues on the Mupani Mine replacement project, which is now 83 percent complete.
Once operational, the mine is expected to increase production capacity from two million tonnes per annum to 3,6 million tonnes annually.
To strengthen energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Zimplats is investing in renewable power generation through a 185-megawatt solar photovoltaic project.
The first phase, comprising a 35-megawatt solar plant built at a cost of US$37 million, is already operational.
Construction of Phase 2A, a 45-megawatt facility valued at US$54 million, is currently underway.