Karo Platinum project in Zimbabwe kicks off
The Karo Platinum project in Zimbabwe broke grounds to mark the start of works. The launch ceremony was officiated by Honourable Minister Chitando, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines & Development alongside Tharisa, the PGM and chrome co-producer.
The project is located in the Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe, approximately 80 km southwest of Harare and 35 km southeast of Chegutu. The country is well connected by road and rail infrastructure, with several border crossings from this land locked country.
Karo Platinum project
A Mining Lease application was submitted to the Mining Affairs Board, where the tenure of the Mining Lease under the legislation is for the life of the mine. The Mining Lease was issued on 12 March 2021 and provides security of tenure.
Karo was tasked to design and construct the integrated facilities to ensure the maximum extraction of value from mining, through the value chain to final Base Metal and Precious Metal refining. The project is based on proven technologies and industry best practices. The Karo project, expected to start producing in two years, will produce 150,000 ounces a year of PGMs in concentrate in its first phase, the company said.
The Karo project’s resources are split between platinum (45%), palladium (42%), rhodium (4%) and gold (9%). As part of the mining plan, the company will target mining 2.1Mtpa of run of mine material for the Phase 1 operations, at a grade of 3.0 g/t (5PGE+Au).
The mining operations will include development of four sequential open pits, up to a maximum depth of 100m over a total strike length greater than 20km. Karo Mining Holdings will execute the project in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, under the Investment Project Framework Agreement that was signed between the parties on 22 March 2018.
