Anglo American Platinum reports on Q4 2022 PGM-concentrate production
Total PGM production in Q4 2022 decreased 10% against the prior period (Q4 2021) to 990,400 ounces, with platinum production decreasing 10% to 458,500 ounces, and palladium production decreasing by 11% to 307,500 ounces.
PGM production from own-managed mines
Total PGM production from own-managed mines decreased by 12% to 557,600 ounces (platinum production decreased by 12% to 253,600 ounces, while palladium production decreased by 13% to 200,300 ounces), primarily due to lower production from Mogalakwena, Amandelbult and Unki, partially offset by strong production from Mototolo.
PGM production at Mogalakwena decreased by 15% to 256,700 ounces (platinum decreased by 15% to 107,500 and palladium production decreased by 14%, to 118,600 ounces), largely due to a 19% reduction in 4E built-up head grade to 2.62g/t from 3.22g/t in Q4 2021. The decline in the grade is a factor of mining in lower grade areas, as well as lower than anticipated grade mined in some areas. Since late 2021, there has been an extensive drilling program together with improved geological modelling, that was concluded at the end of 2022. This has translated into changes in the near-term ounce profile. This short-term change is not expected to affect the overall Mineral Resource estimation.
PGM production from Amandelbult decreased by 17% to 176,600 ounces (platinum production decreased by 17% to 89,600 ounces and palladium production decreased by 18% to 40,800 ounces), mainly due to the closure of Tumela
Upper conventional infrastructures, the closure of current open-pit operations, as well as poor ground conditions at Dishaba. The Merensky concentrator was closed in Q4 2022, and greater efficiency benefits will be achieved through utilising the lower cost UG1 and UG2 concentrators at Amandelbult.
Mototolo PGM production increased by 26% to 71,700 ounces (platinum production increased by 27% to 32,800 ounces and palladium increased by 27% to 20,600 ounces), largely due to increased throughput supported by a 7% increase in 4E built-up head grade to 3.22g/t, due to grade improvement initiatives and increased recoveries at the concentrator following increased stability of the concentrator debottlenecking project.
Unki PGM production decreased by 17% to 52,600 ounces (platinum production decreased by 15% to 23,700 ounces and palladium production decreased by 18% to 20,300 ounces). Unki was impacted by maintenance at the concentrator, as well as lower grade and recovery.
PGM production from Joint Operations (50% own-mined production and 50% purchase of concentrate)
Total PGM production from Joint Operations was broadly in line compared to Q4 2021 at 198,000 ounces (platinum production of 90,600 ounces and palladium production of 58,400 ounces).
Total Modikwa PGM production decreased by 2% to 71,600 ounces (platinum production was flat at 28,800 ounces and palladium production decreased 3% to 26,800 ounces). While tonnes milled increased by 9%, 4E built-up head grade decreased by 6% as higher proportions of lower grade Merensky ore and surface material were milled.
Total Kroondal PGM production was flat at 126,400 ounces (platinum production increased by 2% to 61,800 ounces and palladium production decreased by 1% to 31,600 ounces) despite the gradual ramp-down at Simunye shaft, which benefited the prior period, and geologically challenging ground across the complex, which was offset by open pit mining which commenced during 2022.
Purchases of PGM concentrate from third parties
Purchases of PGM concentrate (POC) from third parties decreased by 13% to 234,800 ounces (platinum POC decreased by 15% to 114,300 ounces and palladium POC decreased by 14% to 49,000 ounces), due to lower receipts from third parties.
