Our state-of-the art PGM processing plant has the capacity to process 780ktpa of UG2 ore and 2,880ktpa of Merensky ore.

The UG2 and Merensky plant can be easily interchanged to accommodate changes in production volumes and volumes produced can be correlated to market trends/prices to maximise margins.

A chrome plant was commissioned in March 2018.

SRL has access to the patented Kell process. This is an alternative, environmentally friendly and low-cost technology to traditional PGM smelting. Overall benefits include reduced power costs, ease of processing, and environmental benefits, allowing for a saving of 80% of energy costs compared to smelting. The process uses only 14% of the electricity used in conventional smelting methods, i.e. 140 kWh for every ton of concentrate processed compared with 1 000 kWh for every ton of concentrate smelted. In addition, emissions are reduced by approximately around 70% compared to conventional refining and smelting.

PGM production and hence supply is expected to drop dramatically over the next 30 years, leading to a supply gap in the medium to long-term, based on the following:

The PGM market’s traditional demand drivers such as auto catalysts, industrials and jewellery are expected to remain robust, in the long-term

More than twice the amount of platinum is used in a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) than in an internal combustion engine. FCEVS are already being adopted globally with buses and trucks already on the road and by 2035, are expected to exponentially increase to six million vehicles.

PGM assets are situated on both the Western and Eastern Limbs of the geologically rich Bushveld Complex.