Impala Canada faces supply chain constraints and labour availability
During the quarter ended 31 March 2022, Impala Canada continued to face challenges associated with global supply chain constraints and labour availability. This resulted in hauling constraints and increased downtime at the processing plant, which impacted achieved recoveries.
Milled volumes decreased by 4% to 886 000 tonnes, while milled head grade rose by 3% to 2.80g/t 6E. 6E metal in concentrate of 62 000 ounces was 4% lower than that achieved in the prior comparable period.
Nine months ended 31 March 2022
Constraints on equipment availability due to tight labour conditions and a shortage of critical parts and spares created a complex and testing operating environment. While milled grades of 2.65g/t 6E improved marginally, milled volumes of 2.78 million tonnes and 6E concentrate volumes of 185 000 ounces, decreased by 2% and 3%, respectively.
Impala’s Zimbabwe operations
In the quarter ended 31 March 2022, there were marginal improvements at Zimplats in both tonnes milled of 1.71 million and delivered mill grade of 3.40g/t 6E. An improving ore mix benefitted process recoveries and 6E concentrate production increased by 6% to 145 000 ounces.
A furnace reline was completed in the prior comparable period, while beneficial movements in smelter inventory and matte production in the period under review saw 6E matte production increase by 8% to 149 000 ounces.
For nine months ended 31 March 2022, mill throughput increased marginally to 5.11 million tonnes, offsetting slightly lower grade, and 6E concentrate production was stable at 437 000 ounces. 6E matte production in the nine-month period increased by 2% to 432 000 ounces.
