Aquarius is a significant primary producer of the platinum group metals (PGMs), which comprise platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), osmium (Os), ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir). The first three of these metals are the most valuable and are found in the largest quantities together with gold (Au), primarily in South Africa's Bush veld Complex, the largest PGM repository in the world. Ruthenium and iridium are produced as co-products, unlikely to be mined on their own, while the sixth metal, osmium, does not occur in material quantities.

Aquarius exploration is undertaken at and around most operations, the major focus is on the eastern Bush veld Complex. Following successful exploration drilling, pre feasibility and feasibility studies are conducted to determine the economic viability around a prospect. Once determined viable, work begins on project development and mine construction. One such project is the K6 shaft development project at Kroondal, where production is currently being ramped up.

The Aquarius operations produce PGMs in concentrate which has to be smelted and refined before the final product is created. The operations have in place life-of-mine concentrate off-take agreements for this further processing. In the case of Kroondal, the concentrate produced is processed by Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited (RPM).

Mimosa has an off-take agreement with Centametal AG of Switzerland, but also delivers its concentrate to Impala Platinum's smelter for toll processing and refining by IRS prior to delivery of metal.

Company Location

 

Related Companies: