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Zimbabwe’s Unki Mine recorded a 12% decline in platinum group metals (PGM) production in the third quarter as lower-grade mining areas and planned plant maintenance reduced output, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
Unki produced 50,600 ounces in the three months to September, down from 57,500 ounces a year earlier, according to Valterra Platinum’s production report released on October 23.
The decline reflected mining in planned lower-grade areas and scheduled plant maintenance, which reduced milling throughput. Unki produced 154,000 ounces in the first nine months of 2026, down 7% from 165,000 ounces in the corresponding period last year.
Valterra’s total mined and purchased concentrate production fell 6% to 804,300 ounces in the third quarter. Own-mined PGM production declined 5% to 511,900 ounces, while lower purchases of third-party concentrate added to the overall reduction.
Elsewhere in the portfolio, Mogalakwena production fell 4% to 217,600 ounces, while Amandelbult recorded a 10% decline to 137,900 ounces following safety-related stoppages. Mototolo was the exception, with output increasing 7% to 70,800 ounces, supported by strong performance at the Borwa shaft and the continued ramp-up of the Der Brochen shaft.
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Valterra’s refined PGM production dropped 41% to 576,900 ounces after scheduled processing maintenance and annual stock counts were moved from the first quarter to the third. The decline was largely driven by the timing of planned work rather than a comparable deterioration in mine production.
Refined PGM sales fell 27% to 683,300 ounces, although a drawdown of refined inventory partly offset the reduction in production available for sale.
Higher metal prices provided some support during the quarter. Valterra’s average realised PGM basket price rose 15% in rand terms to R38,815 an ounce, equivalent to US$2,383, reflecting higher prices across major and minor platinum group metals.
Despite the weaker quarterly production and sales, the company maintained its 2026 guidance of three million to 3.4 million ounces for both mined and refined PGM output.
Valterra expects cash operating costs to reach the upper end of its guidance range of R19,000 to R20,000 per PGM ounce, citing inflationary pressure on fuel, drill steel, chemicals and certain explosives, as well as the impact of safety stoppages on production volumes.
The company said it remained focused on safe operations, production delivery and cost discipline as it works towards its full-year targets.
Unki’s latest results highlight the challenges facing one of Zimbabwe’s established large-scale PGM mines, where ore grades, processing capacity and operational disruptions continue to influence production performance.