We
have interests in seven operations, firmly establishing our position as
one of the world’s fastest growing platinum companies. Our operations
are located on both the world-renowned Bushveld Complex in South Africa
and the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. We have an active exploration programme
in and around these existing operations, with a focus on the eastern
Bushveld Complex in particular.
- Our primary operation, the Kroondal Mine,
is one of the most efficient PGM producers in the world. The mine is
situated on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex in North West
Province of South Africa. Kroondal has partnered with Anglo Platinum in a
pool and share agreement (P&SA1) since 2003. The Kroondal mine,
which exploits the UG2 Reef, comprises four operating decline sections:
the Kopaneng, Simunye, Bambanani and Kwezi (formerly Central, East, No 3
and K5) shafts which access the Kroondal and Townlands blocks. Kroondal
also has two concentrator plants with a combined capacity of 570,000
tonnes per month. Kroondal has an offtake agreement for the processing
and refining of its concentrate with Anglo Platinum.
- Our second operation in South Africa, the Marikana Mine,
lies 8km east of Kroondal, on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex,
in North West Province, South Africa. The Marikana operation mines the
UG2 Reef contained in the Marikana and 4 shaft orebodies by means of
both underground and open-pit operations. Underground operations are
accessed via the 1, 4 and 5 shafts; 2 shaft is currently on care and
maintenance. The Marikana concentrator plant has a monthly processing
capacity of 220,000 tonnes. During FY2010, Aquarius acquired the assets
of First Platinum (Pty) Ltd and Salene Mining (Pty) Ltd, known
collectively as Firstplats, which are contiguous with Marikana and have
been included in the P&SA2. Concentrate produced from mineral
reserves contributed by Marikana is smelted, refined and marketed by
Anglo Platinum and Impala Refining Services (IRS).
- Our third mine in South Africa, the Everest Mine,
was commissioned in November 2005. Everest is located on the eastern
limb of the Bushveld Complex in the province of Mpumalanga, South
Africa. Due to subsidence, operations at Everest were suspended in
December 2008 and re-opened towards the end of FY2010. Following the
re-establishment of the mine, Everest now has two decline shaft systems,
one a belt, people, material and vehicle access way and the other a
vehicle access way. A third access way, via the valley box cut, is
currently under construction. The mine has both underground and open-pit
operations. The concentrator plant at Everest has a monthly capacity of
250,000 tonnes. Concentrate from Everest is smelted, refined and
marketed by IRS.
- In southern Zimbabwe, we hold a 50% interest in the Mimosa Mine.
The mine is located on the Wedza sub-chamber of t