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Unki Platinum Mine
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The Unki Platinum Mine is a modern mining project located in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the town of Shurugwi. The mine is wholly owned by Anglo American Platinum and represents one of the group's most significant investments in Southern Africa. Following an extensive development phase, commercial production began in 2011 and has increased steadily since then. Unki extracts Platinum Group Metals from the Great Dyke, with a strong focus on sustainable mining practices and state-of-the-art technology. In 2018, a dedicated platinum smelter was commissioned, significantly increasing value addition within the country. Beyond its economic performance, Unki is renowned for its exemplary social projects, including the construction of thousands of houses for employees and supporting local clean water supply. The mine is considered one of the safest and best-managed mining operations in the country.
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Top sights: Shurugwi · Tongogara Rural District Council
- Nearby: Mashava (61 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 130 | 118 | 93 | 39 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 28 | 87 | 177 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Unki Platinum Mine in Zimbabwe is a major underground mine owned by Anglo American Platinum. It plays an important role in the national mining economy, extracting platinum group metals used in jewelry and industrial catalysts.
Visiting
The mine is an active mining site and not accessible to the public. From the surrounding hills or the road between Shurugwi and Zvishavane, the headframes and waste dumps are visible.
Where to view it
A good vantage point is on the hill south of the mine along the road to Shurugwi. From here, there is a wide view of the entire mine site with its buildings and the surrounding landscape.
Local products
The region around Shurugwi is known for small farms growing maize, tobacco, and cotton. Local markets also feature handmade art objects such as Shona stone sculptures from serpentine, typical of Zimbabwe.
Active season
Mining at Unki is active year-round, with minor seasonal fluctuations. The agricultural harvest season in the region focuses on the summer months from November to March, when maize and tobacco are harvested.
Nearby
A visit to the mine can be combined with exploring the town of Shurugwi, which has an old railway station and markets. A trip to the nearby Mushandike National Park, offering wildlife and viewpoints, is also possible.
Geography
Facts
- Unki is Anglo American Platinum's first greenfield platinum mine in Zimbabwe.
- The Unki smelter was completed in 2018 with an investment of over 60 million USD.
- The mine is located in the Selukwe sub-chamber of the Great Dyke.
- Unki was the first mine in the world to be certified under the IRMA standard for responsible mining.
- The project includes the Impali Housing Estate with over 1,000 modern houses.
- The mine has its own concentrator plant with a capacity of 120,000 tonnes of ore per month.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Unki Platinum Mine (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Unki Mine?
A significant platinum mine near Shurugwi.
Can one visit it?
No, it is a strictly protected industrial site.
Why is it relevant?
It contributes significantly to the export of platinum from Zimbabwe.
What is nearby?
Shurugwi is a nearby town with a historical background.
When should one go to the area?
The dry months between June and August are handy for travel.
Unki Platinum Mine: where is it located?
Unki Platinum Mine is located in Zimbabwe.
Unki Platinum Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Shurugwi, Tongogara Rural District Council.
Unki Platinum Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Unki Platinum Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Unki Platinum Mine is a modern mining project located in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the town of Shurugwi.
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