Zimbabwe platinum miner Zimplats has announced plans to double its underground ore production.

The company has revealed that it is to increase output at its underground operation to offset reductions resulting from the phasing out of its open cast mine over the next two years.

Production at the firm's underground Ngezi mine will increase from 311,054 tonnes at the end of this year to 787,800 tonnes by the end of 2006.

Zimplats will at the same time reduce production at its open cast mine to 1.45 million tonnes in 2006, a reduction of 379,164 tonnes, ahead of the mine's full shutdown at the end of 2007.

The company has indicated its eagerness to expand operations in the country, although is still holding off on implementing those plans awaiting confirmation on the Zimbabwean government's black economic empowerment (BEE) strategy.

"There are certain political restrictions we have to overcome to grow," explained Zimplats corporate services executive Jack Murehwa.

Last week, Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe suggested that the country could set up a state platinum miner, using some of the land currently owned by Zimplats.

However, Mr Murehwa said that there had been "inconclusive talks" on this issue between the firm and government officials.


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