Impala Platinum Expands Zimbabwe Smelting Capacity, Plans to Handle Concentrates from Other Miners.

Impala Platinum Holdings' Zimbabwe unit, Zimplats, has commissioned a new smelter that triples its processing capacity to 380,000 tons of concentrate annually. The plant, part of a $1.8 billion expansion plan, can handle feeds from other platinum group metal producers. Zimplats has allocated $1.1 billion of its 10-year investment plan and has raised concerns about Zimbabwe's currency volatility with authorities. The expansion reflects Africa's push to add value to natural resources before exporting them.

Zimbabwe is in advanced negotiations with Toyota Tsusho Corporation for the establishment of a local car assembly plant. This development follows a high-profile meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Toyota executives, including Executive Officer Kohei Okada [1]. The meeting was held after the signing of a technology partnership agreement between Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Industry and Toyota Connect, the corporation’s innovation division.

Toyota’s potential investment promises transformative effects across Zimbabwe’s economy. The company plans to introduce Semi-knockdown (SKD) bus production facilities, modernize public transport vehicle fleets, and manufacture specialized ambulances. Additionally, discussions include potential collaboration in electric vehicle battery production, leveraging Zimbabwe’s mineral resources for advanced manufacturing [1].

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has revealed that Zimbabwe is prepared to support Toyota’s expansion through favorable policies, including duty-free importation of vehicle assembly kits. The new industrial policy creates ideal conditions for automotive investors, with additional incentives offered to establish local manufacturing operations [1].

The proposed investment comes as Zimbabwe seeks to revitalize its struggling automotive sector. Domestic manufacturers currently operate below capacity, and Toyota’s potential establishment of assembly operations could stimulate competition, facilitate technology transfer, and lead to job creation in the industry.

Separately, Impala Platinum Holdings' Zimbabwe unit, Zimplats, has commissioned a new smelter that triples its processing capacity to 380,000 tons of concentrate annually. The $1.8 billion expansion plan includes handling feeds from other platinum group metal producers. Zimplats has allocated $1.1 billion of its 10-year investment plan and has raised concerns about Zimbabwe's currency volatility with authorities. The expansion reflects Africa's push to add value to natural resources before exporting them [2].

References:

[1] https://iharare.com/zimbabwe-in-advanced-talks-with-toyota-for-a-local-car-assembly-plant/
[2] https://example.com/article2