Anglo Platinum produces 7% less PGMs in Q4-2020
Anglo American Platinum has reported that total PGM production of 1,076,100 ounces decreased 7% against Q4 2019, with safety controls and restrictions remaining in place to protect employees from Covid-19. Platinum and palladium production was down 6% to 497,800 ounces and 338,400 ounces respectively.
Anglo American Platinum is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals. Its mining, smelting and refining operations are based in South Africa. Elsewhere in the world, the Group owns Unki Platinum Mine in Zimbabwe.
PGM PRODUCTION FROM OWN MANAGED MINES
PGM production at Mogalakwena decreased by 3% to 306,700 ounces, as continued strong operational performance was impacted by community unrest that resulted in fewer milling shifts as employees were not able to get to work, as well as minor operational issues at the North concentrator plant.
These issues both led to lower milled volumes. Platinum production decreased by 5% to 129,500 ounces and palladium production decreased by 3%, to 141,700 ounces.
Amandelbult PGM production was down 22% to 185,500 ounces as the Tumela Upper section and surface production come to the end of their life of mine. These sections contributed 11,600 PGM ounces and 12,400 PGM ounces respectively in Q4 2019, with the balance largely due to self-imposed safety stoppages following the fatality in Q3 2020. Platinum production decreased by 22% to 93,400 ounces and palladium production decreased by 21%, to 44,000 ounces.
Mototolo PGM production increased by 4% to 69,800 ounces due to higher throughput resulting from improved concentrator runtime and plant stability, as well as an improvement in the 4E built-up head grade as the prior period had geological features that negatively impacted grade. Platinum production increased by 4% to 32,100 ounces and palladium increased by 6% to 20,200 ounces.
Unki PGM production increased by 7% to 55,800 ounces, largely due to higher 4E built-up head production increased by 10% to 22,000 ounces.
PGM PRODUCTION FROM JOINT OPERATIONS (50% own-mined production and 50% purchase of concentrate)
PGM production from joint operations decreased by 14% to 198,000 ounces. Platinum production decreased by 13% to 90,200 ounces and palladium production decreased by 17% to 56,200 ounces.
Modikwa PGM production decreased by 31% to 49,800 ounces, due to the safety stoppages following the tragic work-related fatalities in September and October, as well as an unprotected employee strike in November due to the misinterpretation of housing-related benefits which were overpaid in the prior quarter. Platinum production decreased by 30% to 19,600 ounces and palladium decreased by 31% to 18,600 ounces.
Kroondal PGM production decreased by 7% to 148,200 ounces also as a result of an unprotected strike by contractors installing underground support in November due to salary-related concerns. Platinum decreased by 6% to 70,700 ounces and palladium production decreased by 8% to 37,800 ounces.
