JSE-listed platinum miner Wesizwe Platinum has identified various deficiencies at its Bakubung platinum mine’s processing plant, in Rustenburg, in North West, after a test run of the entire system.
Some of the snags include electrical malfunctioning of the flotation machine, a leak in the process water tank and the need for additional pipe support.
The technical team is currently addressing the deficiencies identified during the rest run, which, once resolved, will see the cold and hot commissioning of the processing plant in March or April.
The commissioning of the processing plant was originally earmarked to start in the fourth quarter of last year, however, it was delayed by the finalisation of an appeal process in relation to the Ministerial environmental authorisation granted for the construction of the mine’s tailings storage facility.
Early in 2022, Wesizwe expected production at Bakubing to start in the second half of 2023; however, it now appears that production may start earlier, depending on the repair and commissioning process.
The board is confident that the company can swiftly resolve any issues that may arise during the commissioning of the processing plant and start production as soon as possible.