In a major stride toward sustainability, platinum group metals (PGMs) producer Implats has reported that clean electricity accounted for 31% of its total power consumption in the 2025 financial year (FY2025). This marks a significant achievement for the Johannesburg-based company, positioning it as a leader in the transition to renewable and non-carbon-based energy within the global mining sector. Of this total, 16% was sourced through market-based renewable instruments, demonstrating Implats’ proactive approach to lowering its carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.
A standout achievement during FY2025 was the commissioning of the first 35 MW of a planned 185 MW solar power complex at Zimplats, Implats’ subsidiary in Zimbabwe. Following this milestone, the board has approved Phase 2A, which will add a further 45 MW to the renewable energy capacity. Meanwhile, Impala Refineries in Gauteng, South Africa, has signed a five-year renewable energy supply agreement to meet up to 90% of its electricity needs through wind and solar sources. This strategic move is projected to reduce Scope 2 emissions by 852 000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent, while also generating substantial cost savings for the company.
Reflecting on the year’s progress, Implats chairperson Thandi Orleyn noted in the group’s annual integrated report that FY2025 was a period of resilience, reflection, and recalibration. She highlighted that FY2026 has begun on a strong note, with improved performance across mining operations and stability in processing assets. Orleyn reaffirmed the company’s dedication to labour stability, constructive stakeholder engagement, and strong community partnerships, emphasizing that these are essential for sustaining long-term success.
Financially, Implats closed FY2025 in a robust position, reporting net cash of R8.1 billion and liquidity headroom of R19.7 billion, underscoring its resilience in a challenging global economic environment. The company’s ability to adapt and thrive amidst volatility demonstrates not only sound management but also its commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.
Implats operates across South Africa’s Bushveld Complex, Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, and Canada’s Canadian Shield, producing a diverse mix of metals that are critical to the global decarbonisation agenda. Beyond its core PGMs, the group’s polymetallic ore bodies yield base metals that play essential roles in clean energy systems, electric mobility, and digital technology infrastructure.
The company continues to champion PGM-based technologies through its investments in AP Ventures, a global venture capital firm fostering innovation in green hydrogen, hydrogen fuel cell mobility, energy storage, and distributed power generation. These technologies are paving the way toward a sustainable, low-carbon future, where PGMs form the backbone of the new energy economy.
Beyond energy and mobility, PGMs have diverse applications across sectors. Platinum gauzes are vital in nitrous oxide (N₂O) abatement systems and air and water purification technologies, while secondary PGM-bearing catalysts can reduce up to 90% of N₂O emissions during fertilizer production. In the medical field, PGMs are prized for their biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and durability, making them indispensable in pacemakers, stents, catheters, and chemotherapy drugs. Their importance also extends into electronics, where they enhance the performance of hard drives, semiconductors, and mobile devices, contributing to cleaner and more efficient energy systems that support AI-driven technologies.
Historically, platinum has symbolized luxury and endurance, maintaining a strong presence in jewellery markets worldwide. Recent reports from Platinum Guild International indicate a resurgence in demand, with the second quarter of 2025 showing growth across key markets. The organization continues to work closely with partners to sustain platinum’s timeless appeal in bridal and fashion jewellery.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Implats’ sustainability strategy is deeply rooted in its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The company actively works to minimise environmental impacts, support community livelihoods, and uphold ethical and transparent governance. Its Mine Community Social Performance Framework focuses on four key pillars:
- Community wellbeing
- Education and skills development
- Enterprise and supplier development
- Resilient infrastructure creation, all with job creation as a central theme.
On the environmental front, Implats is pursuing an ambitious 2030 target to recycle and reuse 60% of its water, while managing waste streams and biodiversity preservation. The group is committed to reducing air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, dust, and particulates, as well as monitoring N₂O emissions from smelting, electricity consumption, and diesel usage. It aims to ensure air quality compliance with national and international standards by 2030.
Furthermore, Implats’ mine closure and rehabilitation strategy targets the restoration of 100% of eligible land by 2030, ensuring full alignment with its group policies. Biodiversity conservation initiatives are ongoing to mitigate habitat and ecosystem loss. The company’s overarching goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a 30% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, relative to its 2019 baseline.
Technology and innovation remain key enablers of these goals. Implats continues to enhance its information and operational technology systems to drive production efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity, and support its long-term sustainability agenda.
A Forward-Looking Legacy
With a low-cost, mechanised resource portfolio and well-capitalised processing assets, Implats stands well-positioned for sustained growth. Its integrated approach to renewable energy, responsible mining, and innovation not only strengthens its market position but also contributes meaningfully to global environmental goals.
As Implats deepens its transition toward clean energy and responsible resource development, it sets a benchmark for the mining industry—demonstrating that economic resilience and environmental stewardship can thrive together in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
