Name and Location
Unki platinum mine and concentrator plant, Zimbabwe.
Project Description
Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) (formerly AngloPlats) has developed its first platinum mine in Zimbabwe, at the Unki deposit located south-east of Shurugwi. The mine is expected to produce about 69 000 oz/y of platinum at steady state.
The orebody is mined using the bord-and-pillar mining method.
The concentrate is transported by road to the Polokwane smelter, in Limpopo, in South Africa.
Work on the Unki project included:
• The development of a twin decline, with eight equipped mining sections and associated ventilation shafts;
• The construction of a 120 000 t/m concentrator with associated tailings dam;
• The construction of a housing development consisting of around 900 houses in Shurugwi;
• The construction of an 8 km pipeline from the new Lucilia Poort dam to the mine reservoirs;
• The construction of 132/11 kV substations;
• The construction of a 33 km powerline;
• The upgrading of the 17 km access road and bridge construction; and the construction of a contractors' camp equipped to house 1 400 persons.
Value
The project cost an estimated R3.4-billion to develop.
Duration
Work on the project started in earnest in 2006.
The concentrator was commissioned at the end of 2010.
The mine and concentrator is currently in the ramp-up phase and is expected to reach full production in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Client
Amplats.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
Latest Developments
June 2011
The concentrator at Unki mine is currently being ramped up. It produced 22 400 oz of platinum during the first half of 2011, and is exceeding its planned ramp-up profile.
On Budget and on Time?
The mine and concentrator is in the ramp-up phase and progressing according to plan.
Contact details for project information
Amplats investor relations, Kgapu Mphahlele, tel +27 11 373 6239 or email kmphahlele@angloplat.com; or corporate communications, Thabisile Phumo, tel +27 11 373 6846 or email tphumo@angloplat.com.