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Ramaphosa Opens Platreef Mine as Production Begins in Limpopo

The project anchors South Africa’s critical minerals strategy through sustainability investments spanning on‑site solar power plus new wastewater capacity.

Overview

  • Officials marked the delivery of the first concentrates from Platreef’s concentrator, spanning platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold.
  • The Presidency highlighted community participation structures, including a 20% community trust, a 3% employee trust and a workforce drawn about 85% from surrounding areas.
  • Ivanhoe Mines says more than 2,000 people are employed locally, and reports investing about US$1.2 billion in the project’s first two phases with Phase 2 targeted for late 2027.
  • Sustainability features showcased included a 5 MW on‑site solar farm that began supplying power earlier this year and the opening of the Masodi Wastewater Treatment Works.
  • The launch drew a protest by local residents over jobs and community benefits, reflecting ongoing social‑licence pressures.