Story by Owen Mandovha
A major platinum mining project developed under the Second Republic is nearing completion along Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, with production expected to begin in the first quarter of next year following significant progress on key processing infrastructure.
The Karo Platinum project, located in Selous, is among several greenfield mining investments that have emerged in recent years, reflecting renewed momentum in the mining sector.
After approximately seven years of exploration and development, the company has invested more than US$190 million in the first phase of the project. Construction of critical processing facilities, including mills and flotation tanks, is now at an advanced stage.
“Exploration gave us encouraging numbers and we are set to start production in the first quarter of next year and at the moment we are constructing the processing mills and floatation tanks that will enable us to start production where we see us employing over 1 200 people directly,” Karo Platinum Mine’s Head of Processing, Mr Qhubekani Moyo said.
Karo Platinum country director, Mr Joe Zimba, said the mine has a projected lifespan exceeding 50 years, positioning it as a long-term contributor to national platinum output.
“The life of the mine is over 50 years and we will scale up production in the next phase of the project. We have mobilised funding through the VFEX and to date, over US$190 million has so far been allocated to the project.”
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Honourable Polite Kambamura, who toured the project site in Selous on Thursday, said the development exemplifies the growth trajectory of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
“The project is now set to begin production and we are excited after touring the project where the company is constructing, the mills for processing ore and other key features. The project attests to the growing mining sector and signs of an enabling environment which has made private investment possible.
Over 10 000 jobs will be created while the county will earn increased foreign currency inflows.”
He added that the project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and boost foreign currency earnings.
Over 90 000 metres of exploratory drilling were conducted to delineate the mineral resource. Mining operations are set to commence with open-cast methods during the first decade of the project.
According to information gathered during the tour, the mine is projected to increase Zimbabwe’s platinum output by approximately 20 percent, contribute an estimated 1.5 percent to national GDP, and create close to 10 000 direct and indirect jobs over its lifespan.
