Platreef’s production profile at a glance Both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 processing flowsheets incorporate a three-stage crushing circuit feeding crushed material to the milling and flotation modules. Flotation is followed by concentrate thickening, concentrate filtration, tailings handling and tailings disposal facility. The Phase 2 annual production capacity would rank Platreef as the world’s fifth largest primary platinum-group metals (PGM) mine on a palladium equiva- lent basis. Future expansions to 12 million tonnes of ore per annum and beyond, as demonstrated in the company’s previous studies, would position Platreef among the world’s largest and lowest-cost nickel and PGM mines: producing more than 24,000 tonnes of nickel and 1.1 million ounces of palladium, rho- dium, platinum, and gold per year. Phase 1 Phase 2 Concentrator capacity: 770 000 tonnes per annum module. Concentrator capacity: Two 2.2 million tonne-per-annum modules (Combined 4.4 million tonne-per annum).
is investing in and advancing its own internal decar- bonisation plans. Although Platreef currently makes use of coal- based electricity, Ivanplats is exploring options to use electricity generated from renewable, green, solar power together with liquefied natural gas. The company is also in progress with the construction of a 5 MW solar facility. Construction started in the third quarter of 2023 and commissioning is expected in the second half of 2023. The solar-generated power from the plant will be used for mine development and construction activities.
Average annual production: More than 590 000 oz of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold, plus more than 40 million pounds of nickel and copper.
Average annual production: 113 000 ounces of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold, plus 5 million pounds of nickel and 3 million pounds of copper.
The company is also using emission-free, battery electric underground mining equipment including face drill rigs and loaders, which will be charged using the solar power generated on site.
January 2023 MODERN MINING 33
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