Published by the government of Zimbabwe
6 July 2009
Harare — ZIMBABWE Platinum Mines has invested US$862 000 in the establishment of a Skills Development Centre.
This is meant to provide quality training for school leavers and buttress the efforts of the public institutions that focus on skill development for the mining sector.
In a statement Zimplats said the Skills Development Centre consists of a number of workshops covering engineering, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, boiler making and motor trades at artisan level.
"The administration block is now fully operational with fully equipped offices and a number of lecture rooms.
"A total of US$862 000 has been assigned to date for the construction of the Centre and procurement of workshop and training equipment. Almost all equipment ordered has been received and is awaiting installation into the workshop, " said the statement.
The company said that its long-term vision is to develop skills beyond its own immediate needs. Partnerships with other mines and interested stakeholders will be sought. In a related development the company has recently secured US$35 million from a South African Bank to complete its Ngezi phase one expansion projects.
The expansion programme is expected to increase Zimplats output by 80 percent. During the first quarter, Zimplats reported an operating profit of US$1,1 million up from a loss of US$11,6 million in the previous quarter, boosted by higher metal prices and lower operating costs.
The company also recorded total revenue of US$35,1 million, increase of 36 percent. Zimbabwe has the world's second largest proven platinum reserves after South Africa.
It has two active platinum mine- Zimplats and Mimosa in Zvishavane while Anglo American P/C has said its Anglo-platinum subsidiary would develop a US$400 platinum mine at Unki near Shurugwi.
Platinum is used in the fabrication of silicones for the aerospace, automotive and construction sector. It is also used for glassmaking equipment and in the manufacturing of fibreglass reinforced plastic and of glass for liquid crystal display.
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