By ETimes
HARARE – ZIMBABWE’S platinum production declined 26% to 84 000 ounces in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 114 000 ounces in the same period last year, latest data shows.
“Zimbabwean output declined sharply, falling 26% year-on-year to 84 koz, a ten-year low, primarily due to reduced production at Zimplats.
“Furnace maintenance led to constrained output, with operations only restarting in mid-March.
“As a result, the processing of 29 koz of semi-finished inventory was deferred to the next quarter,” the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) stated in its quarterly report.
In Zimbabwe, platinum mine supply is projected to hold roughly steady year-on-year at 508 koz.
This reflects consistent output levels across all mining operations.
“The 29 koz build-up of semi-finished inventory, resulting from smelter maintenance at Zimplats in Q1 2026, is expected to be drawn down in Q2 2026,” WPIC said.
The southern African nation hosts the second largest Platinum Group Metals resource in the world after South Africa, on the Great Dyke.
It has three platinum-producing mines – Zimplats, Mimosa and Unki.
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