Anglo American Platinum: Total PGM production decreases by 6%
Anglo American Platinum disposed of our 50% interest in Kroondal in Q4 2023, resulting in Kroondal production being reported as a third-party purchase of concentrate (POC) agreement from November 2023. Total PGM production from own mines (excluding Kroondal), decreased by 6% to 504,300 ounces, primarily due to lower production from Amandelbult and Mototolo, while production from Mogalakwena and Unki was flat for the quarter.
PGM production from Amandelbult decreased by 16% to 127,100 ounces driven by lower recoveries and tonnes milled. Tonnes milled decreased as a result of plant equipment breakdowns and lower throughput from Dishaba due to challenging ground conditions and short-term impact of the implementation of the restructuring program to improve productivity and efficiencies.
Mototolo PGM production decreased by 10% to 61,900 ounces as a result of lower throughput due to mobile mining equipment stoppages associated with the implementation of mandatory human proximity detection systems and challenging ground conditions as Lebowa shaft reaches its end of life. This was partially offset by higher grades. The mine initiated a new mining shift cycle to increase underground production and improve efficiencies. The Der Brochen project, which will replace the Lebowa infrastructure closures, is in execution phase with production ramping up in 2025.
Mogalakwena’s production was in line with prior period at 219,500 ounces, but 17% lower versus Q4 2023. This decline in production quarter on quarter was due to mining planned low-grade material, as mining activities transitioned to a different bench cut sequence in the pit and available ore was supplemented from low-grade ore stockpiles. The optimised mine plan and extraction sequence, together with the newly commissioned rope shovel supports the mine achieving 2024 M&C production guidance and anticipated full year grade of between 2.7 and 2.9 g/ton.
Unki production was unchanged at 62,800 ounces compared to the prior period.
