Afplats mine

The Afplats mine, officially the Akanani Platinum Mine (formerly known as the Afplats Crocodile River Mine), is a platinum group metals (PGM) mine located in the North West Province of South Africa, near Brits. It is situated on the Western Bushveld Complex, a region known for its significant platinum reserves.

The mine is notable for its history of ownership changes and operational challenges. It has been owned and operated by different companies over the years, facing issues related to production, labor relations, and economic viability. The mine's primary target orebody is the UG2 reef, one of the two major PGM-bearing horizons in the Bushveld Complex.

Operations at the Afplats mine typically involve underground mining methods to extract the ore, followed by processing to concentrate the platinum group metals, which include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium, as well as gold, silver, and base metals. The concentrated material is then further refined to produce the final PGM products.

Environmental considerations at the Afplats mine, as with other mining operations in the region, are focused on water management, waste disposal, and the rehabilitation of mined-out areas. The mine is subject to South African environmental regulations and permitting requirements.

The economic significance of the Afplats mine lies in its contribution to the global supply of platinum group metals, which are essential components in various industrial applications, including catalytic converters in automobiles, electronics, and jewelry. The mine also provides employment opportunities for the local community.