PGMs (metal)

PGMs mined in Zimbabwe consists of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium found along the Great Dyke from layered mafic-ultramafic intrusions extending over 550km at an average width of 11km, estimated to hold 2,8billion Mt of PGMs ore at 4g/t pt. Other mineral elements in the material contain gold, silver and base metals like nickel, copper and cobalt.

Uses: The application for these elements is mainly hinged on their unique properties, such as oxidation resistance and inertness with excellent corrosion, biocompatibility, high melting temperature, good conductivity and electronic and catalytic properties.

Location: Zvishavane, Shurugwi, Ngezi, Selous