Publications
Partners
Harare - Bimha Mine, the largest mine of Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats), of which 87% is owned by Impala Platinum, has collapsed and will need 15 months to return to full production.
CEO Alex Mhembere said no injuries or damage of property was reported as a result of a proactive response from the management team and timely evacuation of all personnel.
He said the collapse was triggered by the accelerated deterioration of ground conditions associated with a major shear, the Mutambara Shear, that transgresses through half of the mining area.
"The fault was first identified in 2011 but has become more problematic over the last year both along the declines and within the stopping footprint of the Bimha Mine."
Mhembere said US$6m had been spent to address initiatives around ground stability.
"However despite these efforts, significant and accelerated ground deterioration was observed from May this year."
The group will now permanently close about half of the mining footprint in areas where major falls of ground have occurred.
As a result, production from Bimha Mine has been downscaled by 50% equating to 45 000 ounces of platinum in mine production.
Preliminary estimates indicate that it will take 15 months to reach full production of eight fleets and 50 months to reconnect to current declines.
CEO Alex Mhembere said no injuries or damage of property was reported as a result of a proactive response from the management team and timely evacuation of all personnel.
He said the collapse was triggered by the accelerated deterioration of ground conditions associated with a major shear, the Mutambara Shear, that transgresses through half of the mining area.
"The fault was first identified in 2011 but has become more problematic over the last year both along the declines and within the stopping footprint of the Bimha Mine."
Mhembere said US$6m had been spent to address initiatives around ground stability.
"However despite these efforts, significant and accelerated ground deterioration was observed from May this year."
The group will now permanently close about half of the mining footprint in areas where major falls of ground have occurred.
As a result, production from Bimha Mine has been downscaled by 50% equating to 45 000 ounces of platinum in mine production.
Preliminary estimates indicate that it will take 15 months to reach full production of eight fleets and 50 months to reconnect to current declines.
