Story by Theophilus Chuma
THE first ore output at the Darwendale Platinum project under Great Dyke Investments is expected before the end of the year after the mine resumes operations.
The project is lauded as one of the biggest mining developments in the world, sitting on massive deposits estimated at 44 million tonnes of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs).
After almost a one-year break from operations, following the withdrawal of its major Russian investment partner, the government is prioritising the multi-billion-dollar project through Great Dyke Investments which is now under the stewardship of Kuvimba Mining House.
Exploration work on the project has been completed, with the box cut of the first portal almost done.
Great Dyke Investments Chief Geologist, Mr Wilbert Nyamagodo said, “We have done everything on the drilling, having completed 805 drill holes to come up with 130 000 metres of drilling. In terms of drilling, we have completed the first half and we are now left with the other half.”
Extraction of the metal is expected to start before the end of the year, according to Great Dykes Investment Chief Operating Officer, Engineer Munashe Shava.
“In terms of timeline, this is imminent because what we are doing as a strategy is to mobilise enough resources to be able to continue with the development of the mine. If we start the project, we estimate a lead time of about three months. The plans are at a very advanced stage to start the operations. It could be anything this side of the year,” he said.
The Darwendale Platinum Project is estimated to hold over 180 million tonnes of measured and indicated ore, a deposit base that brings close to reality the country’s vision for a US$12 mining economy by 2023.
Our track record in turning around companies is a testament to what we want to do, we plan carefully and make sure that we do it to the best and we don’t look back,” said Mr Simbarashe Chinyemba, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Kuvimba Mining House.
Upon completion, the project will have the capacity to produce over three million ounces of Platinum Group Metals annually, which will be significant in improving the country’s export receipts.
