Impala Rustenburg improved grade by 4%, milling by 5%

According to Impala Rustenburg, tonnes milled during the quarter increased by 5% to 2.38 million tonnes, despite load curtailment, safety stoppages and engineering constraints, while grade improved by 4% to 3.98g/t 6E. Recoveries and yield gains were impacted by load curtailment, and stock-adjusted 6E production increased by 3% to 289 000 ounces.

Refined 6E production of 277 000 ounces increased by 32% from the prior comparable period, despite reduced available processing capacity flowing from the Number 4 furnace rebuild. The furnace rebuild was progressed according to plan, with limited delays to the scheduled April 2023 heat-up due to Eskom load curtailment, and first matte was tapped on 1 May 2023.

Nine months ended 31 March 2023

Milled volumes increased by 4% to 7.55 million tonnes, while 6E mill grade of 3.87g/t was 1% lower.

Lower re-mining volumes, recoveries and yield gains limited the increase in 6E production, which declined 1% to 898 000 ounces, while refined 6E production increased by 3% to 882 000 ounces.