Lavrov, Manturov attend launch of world's second largest platinum mine in Zimbabwe
DARWENDALE, Zimbabwe. Sept 16 (Interfax) - Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Minister of Industry Denis Manturov, as well as Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi attended the launch ceremony at one of the world's biggest platinum deposits in Darwendale, Zimbabwe, on Tuesday.
The deal on the purchase of a 50% stake in Zimbabwean Ruschrome Mining, which owns the licenses for development of the second largest platinum ore field (the other 50% is owned by a local company which represents the interests of the state), was concluded in May 2013. In April 2014, Rostec, state lender Vnesheconombank (VEB) and Vi Holding created a consortium to develop the deposits in which VEB is the organizer of financing for the project.
Proven platinum reserves in the Darwendale Valley amount to 19 tonnes, and resources - 755 tonnes including other metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, nickel and copper) based on platinum equivalent.