WESIZWE Bakubung Platinum mine processing plant progress
JOHANNESBURG – The test run of the main system of the Bakubung Platinum Mine (“BPM”) processing plant (“BPM Processing Plant”) was completed on 26 January 2023, during which test run certain deficiencies or snags were identified, including the electrical malfunctioning of the flotation machine, a leak at the process water tank and the requirement for additional pipe support supplements.
The technical team is currently addressing the deficiencies identified during the test run, and the cold and hot commissioning of the BPM Processing Plant is expected to commence in March or April of this year, after these deficiencies or snags have been resolved and rectified.
Any unexpected additional issues which may be identified during the commissioning of the
BPM Processing Plant, will be rectified and resolved as soon as possible.
The commissioning of the BPM Processing Plant, which was previously earmarked to start in the 4th quarter of 2022, as communicated by the Company in its interim financial results for the period ended 30 June 2022, was delayed by the finalisation of the appeal process in relation to the ministerial environmental authorisation granted for the construction of the tailings storage facility.
In early 2022, the Company expected production at the BPM to start in the second half of
2023, however, it now appears that production may commence earlier, depending on the commissioning process.
The Board firmly believes that with the strong support of its shareholders and the hard work and efforts of its employees, the Company will be able to swiftly resolve any issues which may arise during the commissioning of the BPM Processing Plant, in order to commence with production at the BPM as soon as possible.
The Company will update on the progress at the BPM, and further announcements will be made in this regard, as and when appropriate.
