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Implats’ operations cover the full spectrum of the PGMs process pipeline, from exploration and development to mining, concentrating, smelting, refining and marketing of the end product to customers.

The process

The diagram below provides an indication of the processes in which the company is engaged.

The metals

Implats is one of the world’s largest producers of PGMs and nickel. Of the PGMs, platinum, palladium and rhodium – the so-called ‘green metals’ – are the most significant.

Platinum

Platinum, a silvery-white metal, is one of the most common and widely used of the PGMs. It is ideally suited to advanced technical applications, being one of the densest and heaviest metals known to man, as well as extremely durable. While very malleable and ductile, platinum also has a very high melting point (1 772°C) and is stable at exceptionally high temperatures. Platinum is primarily used in the jewellery and automotive industries, with the latter making use of its excellent catalytic properties.

Palladium

Palladium, like its sister metal, platinum, has a natural white lustre and is more abundant than any of the other PGMs. Its most remarkable property is its ability to absorb enormous amounts of hydrogen at room temperature, making it an efficient and safe medium for the storage of hydrogen and as a purifier. Given its catalytic qualities, it has a vital role in catalytic converters and in air purification equipment. Palladium is most frequently used in alloys or as a catalyst and can be used as a substitute for platinum in jewellery, electrical contacts and catalysts.

Rhodium

Rhodium is also a silvery-white metal and is a major component of industrial catalytic systems. Its primary use is in the automotive industry for the reduction of NOx to nitrogen. Rhodium alloyed with other PGMs is also used for furnace windings, thermocouple elements, fibre glass production, electrodes for aircraft spark plugs and laboratory crucibles.

Nickel

Nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal that is highly resistant to corrosion. It is used extensively in coins and is a vital ingredient in the production of stainless steel. The stainless steel industry consumes approximately two thirds of nickel supply with the balance being used either in alloys or for electroplating.

Governance and risk management

An extensive review of the corporate governance process and structures in place within the company may be found in the Corporate Governance section of the annual report, and a review of the company’s risk management process and identified risk factors may be found in the Risk Management section of the Annual Report.

Safety, health and environment

Issues relating to safety, health, environment, and HIV/AIDS are considered by operation-based management, management/union and executive committees. A group executive responsible for safety, health and environment was appointed during the year. A board committee, the Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Audit Committee, has been designated by the board to guide group policies and monitor performance and progress. This committee meets on a quarterly basis and is chaired by a non-executive director. Further information on the functioning of this committee may be found under Management in the annual report.

Transformation

Transformation committees at all South African operations were involved in the formulation of the group’s Employment Equity Plan and they monitor progress on a monthly basis. These committees are broad-based, comprising employees, union representatives, BEE partners and management.

The Transformation Committee (appointed by the Board) oversees group policies and practices relating to the Mining Charter.

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