Communities around some of Zimbabwe’s largest platinum group metals (PGM) operations are calling for greater investment in roads, schools, water, and sanitation as stronger metals prices lift industry earnings.
The state-owned Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) reports PGM matte sales rose 71% to US$1.5 billion ($2.13 billion) in 2025. PGM concentrate sales generated a further US$306 million.
In Mhondoro-Ngezi, where Zimplats (ASX:ZIM) operates mines and processing facilities, residents told Al Jazeera that public infrastructure has not kept pace with mining and population growth.
Residents sought improvements to roads, school capacity, water infrastructure, and waste services. Zimplats did not respond to the outlet’s questions before publication.
The company’s 2026 annual report records US$583,441 in community social investment, up 27% from the previous financial year. Programmes included road repairs, water infrastructure, agricultural training, and health initiatives.
Zimplats says its community spending remained materially below 2022 and 2023 levels as it recovered from a period of weaker PGM prices.
Separately, Valterra Platinum (LSE:VALT), which operates the Unki complex in Zimbabwe, reported a 41% year-on-year decline in refined PGM production to 576,900 ounces across its South African and Zimbabwean operations during the September quarter.
The company attributed the decrease to scheduled processing maintenance and the timing of annual stock counts, while maintaining its 2026 production guidance, as reported by Mining.com.au earlier this week.
Zimplats operates along Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke and is 87% owned by Implats (JSE:IMP).
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: Zimplats
