Expanding Africa’s platinum assets

CEO TALK

Implats is a of platinum group metals (PGMs) producer with six mining operations in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Canada. Johan Theron, group executive: Corporate

Expanding Africa’s platinum assets

Affairs at Implats, answers

Inside Mining’s What makes mining in Africa

questions. different compared to the rest

of the world?

Johan Theron Implats has operations in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Canada – with each country offering challenges and opportunities. Looking at the African context specifically, the continent produces more than 60 metal and mineral products, and has huge potential in terms of mineral reserves exploration and production.

What is the most challenging aspect

FOLLOW THE LINK of operating in Africa? Operating in Africa has its unique Read the full story: challenges. In South Africa, factors such as miningnews.co.za/2020/07/28/ expanding-africa’splatinum-assets rand volatility and the operational and financial crisis at Eskom pose challenges to all domestic producers. In Zimbabwe, the economic crisis, effects of the drought, rolling power cuts, and shortages of food and other essential supplies pose challenges to businesses and citizens alike.

Johan Theron is the group executive: Corporate Affairs at Implats

How does Implats deal with these challenges?

At Implats, stakeholder engagement remains key to the successful implementation of the

Implats strategy in the countries in which we operate. The goal of contributing to socioeconomic transformation remains a strategic imperative. The Group actively seeks to play a role in meeting governmental social and economic development goals in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

What impact do you think the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) would have on mine companies operating in Africa?

Economic and political stability are critical elements for the success of the AfCFTA, not just nationally but also regionally. The political will driving the initiative provides a unique platform for resolving disputes and long-standing issues between African nations, as they move towards deeper regional integration and embrace the concept of shared value.

What measures has Implats put in place to curb the workplace spread of Covid-19?

All employees are screened using questionnaires, thermo-scanning of skin temperature and, if necessary, core temperature screening, before entering their work areas. Employees with abnormal temperatures will be isolated at dedicated areas at the operations and then be transported to designated medical facilities for diagnosis and, if necessary, testing, quarantine and/or hospitalisation.

A key part of Implats’ Covid-19 strategy has been to identify potentially vulnerable employees and to institute additional specific precautionary measures to increase protection. This includes the provision of vitamin and dietary supplements, flu vaccinations, and critical medical screening. In addition, employees have been provided with pre-packaged supplies of chronic medication for a period of six months to ensure high-risk employees do not need to visit hospitals or clinics during this time. Suitable temporary company accommodation is also being availed to employees who may not be able to self-isolate or practise recommended social distancing measures when not at work.

How does Implats view the next few years for its African operations?

Implats’ key projects and business development activities are focused on low-cost, predominantly mechanised assets that can deliver defensive cash generation to entrench the Group’s competitive position and sustain profitability well into the future. Our organic growth at our African operations focuses on the 12 Shaft and 16 Shaft projects at the Impala Rustenburg operation, and the Mupani Mine project at Zimplats.