By Thomas Chidamba
Platinum mining giant, Zimplats recorded an historic 1.9 million fatality free shifts and two lost time injuries during the quarter ended 31 March 2020.
This was an improvement from the one million fatality free shifts achieved during the period ended 30 September 2019.
“Zimplats’ safety performance improved during the quarter. Two lost-time injuries were recorded during the period versus four in the previous quarter. The Group achieved 1.9 million fatality free shifts during the period under review,” Zimplats wrote in the first quarter report.
During the period under review, Zimplat’s tonnes mined decreased 1% and tonnes milled increased 2% from the previous quarter
“Production of mined ore was impacted by less operating days in the period under review and decreased marginally from the previous quarter.
“Tonnes milled, however, increased by 2% due to higher running time. Running time in the previous quarter was affected by the planned mill reline shutdown at the Selous Metallurgical Complex (SMC) concentrator plant. 6E metal production increased by 31% from the previous quarter.
“During the previous period metal production was impacted by an increase in concentrate stocks and build-up of inventory in the furnace after a major rebuild shutdown. Some concentrate stocks produced in the previous quarter were smelted in the quarter under review.”
Zimplats reported that operating cash cost per 6E ounce decreased by 18%.
“Operating cash costs decreased by 3% from the previous quarter. Due to the smelting of concentrates stockpiled in the previous quarter, US$2.2 million was transferred from opening stock to operating cost.
“In the previous quarter US$6.9 million was transferred from operating costs to closing stocks. Operating cash cost per 6E ounce decreased by 18% from the previous quarter largely as a result of the 31% increase in 6E metal production.
Zimplats said it was adhering to World Health Organisation (who) guidelines on covid-19 pandemic.
“In terms of regulations, mining operations are exempted from the lockdown requirements and are classified as “essential services”.
“Group operations continue to operate, subject to strict adherence to the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) safety and hygiene standards.”
