JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Despite elevated global geopolitical tensions, robust demand for platinum group metals (PGMs) has been accompanied by sustained beneficial pricing support in the three months ending March 31, Implats CEO Nico Muller reported on April 24.

The third-quarter production results reflect strong operating momentum at several key mining assets and processing assets delivering well to reduce excess inventory.

“We remain firmly on track to deliver our previously provided group volume, unit cost and capital expenditure guidance for our 2026 financial year.

“We are closely monitoring the impact of events in the Middle East on our supply chains, with steps taken to buffer availability of critical consumables and spares at our operations.

“We remain focused on delivering consistent and safe production – ensuring our ability to capitalise on strong rand PGM pricing, maximise free cash flow generation and deliver value,” Muller reported in a media release to Mining Weekly.

For the nine months to March 31, six-element (6E) group production volumes have been stable at 2.56-million ounces.

Managed volumes were largely unchanged at two-million ounces, joint venture production decreased 2% to 395 000 oz and third-party receipts were a 16%-higher 167 000 oz.

Implats, in emphasising that it is determined to eliminate fatalities and life-changing injuries, expressed deep regret that Monnawapula Joshua Sikhomba and Karabo Edward Pitse were fatally injured in incidents at Impala Rustenburg.

Group lost-time injury frequency rate improved by 27% to 2.83 per million person-hours worked from 3.89, while the total-injury frequency rate improved by 37% to 5.68 per million person-hours worked.

6E production was stable at 762 000 oz and tonnes milled at managed operations increased by 10% to 6.49-million tonnes on a milled grade of 3.75g/t. Notwithstanding the improvements in mined and milled volumes, 6E production at managed operations retraced by 3% to 588 000 oz but rose at JVs to a 1%-higher 122 000 oz.

At Impala Refining Services, third-party 6E receipts were 27% higher at 52 000 oz and refined 6E production a 19%-higher 851 000 oz.

The first matte was produced at the Furnace 4 rebuild in mid-April.

The period ended with 320 000 6E ounces of excess inventory, with 6E sales volumes increasing by 9% to 847 000 oz.

Group production benefitted from improved operating momentum at Impala Rustenburg and Zimplats, which offset changes in operating parameters at Marula and Impala Canada, with milled throughput at the North American operation decreasing 4% to 680 000 t, milled head grade declining 9% to 2.85g/t, and 6E concentrate production dropping 13% to 52 000 oz.