THE country’s largest platinum group metals (PGM) producer, Zimplats Holdings Limited, recorded a sharp rebound in production in the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
The recovery, driven by the processing of concentrate stockpiled during furnace maintenance, saw platinum output surge 176 percent quarter-on-quarter to 97,950 ounces, while palladium rose 183 percent to 84,035 ounces.
Gold increased 174 percent to 10,570 ounces, rhodium by 182 percent to 9,058 ounces, ruthenium by 186 percent to 7,867 ounces and iridium by 186 percent to 3,710 ounces.
According to Zimplats’ quarterly report for the period ended June 30, 2026, the company’s year-on-year performance also remained positive, with platinum production rising 14 percent, palladium 15 percent, gold four percent, rhodium 10 percent, ruthenium 24 percent and iridium 29 percent.
“On a year-on-year basis, platinum rose 14 percent to 97,950 ounces, palladium increased 15 percent to 84,035 ounces, and gold edged 4 percent higher to 10,570 ounces,” the report said.
“Rhodium delivered a 10 percent year-on-year gain to 9,058 ounces, while ruthenium surged 24 percent to 7,867 ounces and iridium jumped 29 percent to 3,710 ounces.”
Total 6E metal contained in the final product reached 213,190 ounces, up 179 percent from the previous quarter and 14 percent year-on-year, reinforcing the importance of the platinum sector to Zimbabwe’s mining and export performance.
The recovery was not confined to PGMs.
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Silver production increased 216 percent quarter-on-quarters to 20,467 ounces, although it was two percent below the corresponding period last year.
Base-metal production also strengthened, with nickel output jumping 197 percent quarter-on-quarter to 2,030 tonnes and six percent year-on-year, while copper rose 175 percent to 1,539 tonnes, representing a five percent annual increase.
Cobalt recorded the largest quarterly increase, soaring 398 percent to 234 tonnes, although output remained 30 percent below the prior-year level.
Zimplats has already warned that production could again be affected when its furnace undergoes major maintenance in September and October 2026.
“The furnace is scheduled for major maintenance in September and October 2026, resulting in further inventory buildup, which is planned to be released by the end of Q3 FY2027,” the company said.
