Low-cost PGM production from opencast mining

The third reef, known as the Platreef, is observed on the Northern Limb of the BIC and accounts for around 10% of South Africa’s platinum supply with only one mine in operation at present – Mogalakwena, though new production capacity in South Africa is now largely focused on the Northern Limb. The Platreef comprises a relatively high concentration of base metals (nickel and copper), with mineralisation occurring over a substantial thickness, and is the focus of a number of exploration projects. The Platreef also has a relatively balanced platinum-to-palladium ratio compared to the platinum-rich Merensky Reef.