The Karo Platinum Project
Driving Responsible Platinum Production
The Karo Platinum Project represents a pivotal development in the global Platinum Group Metals (PGM) sector. Strategically located on the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe, this Tier-one asset holds a 25-year special mining lease (24 August 2026) over 23,903 hectares, with a 2.1 Moz open-pit reserve and an 11.2 Moz resource. Phase 1 is designed for 226 koz a year, with first ore expected in H2 2027.
Driving Impact and Innovation
Location:
Situated on the renowned Great Dyke in Zimbabwe.
Mine Type:
Newest low-cost, open-pit PGM asset currently under construction.
Resource Type:
Tier-one PGM asset: 2.1 Moz open-pit reserve, 11.2 Moz resource.
Tenure and mine plan:
25-year special mining lease (August 2026). Current plan: open-pit phase with a longer underground phase under study.
Economic Contribution:
Poised to create substantial employment and contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s GDP.
Environmental Commitment:
Fully compliant with international environmental and social impact standards, including IFC-compliant ESIA.
Partnerships:
Karo Platinum is an 85% / 15% joint venture between Karo Mining Holdings and Generation Minerals (Republic of Zimbabwe, free carry). Tharisa plc holds 78.17% of Karo Mining Holdings as at September 2025.
Leveraging the Power of the Great Dyke
The Karo Platinum Project’s strategic advantage lies in its position along the Great Dyke, a 2.5-billion-year-old layered igneous intrusion that bisects central Zimbabwe. Measuring approximately 550 km in length and up to 11 km in width, the Great Dyke is the world’s second-largest PGM resource base, after South Africa’s Bushveld Complex.
The Karo concession covers 23 903 hectares on both the eastern and western flanks of the Dyke, specifically within the Main Sulphide Zone (MSZ) — the primary PGM-bearing layer. Proximity to established mining infrastructure, including Zimplats’ Selous Metallurgical Plant to the south and Ngezi operations to the north, provides excellent road and rail access for efficient development and operations.
Building the Future of Platinum
The Karo Platinum Project has moved from vision to execution:
- Exploration Programme: Completed over six years, confirming high confidence in reserves and resources.
- Mine Design & Plan: 10-year open-pit mine plan finalised, ready for commencement.
- Processing Plant & Infrastructure: Design and engineering complete.
- Earthworks: Complete.
- Bulk Utilities: Water and electrical power supplies fully secured
First ore is expected in H2 2027, as announced by Tharisa plc with the special mining lease on 24 August 2026.
Sustainable Mining
at Our Core
Sustainability underpins every stage of the Karo Platinum Project. We are committed to creating shared value while minimising our environmental footprint through strict adherence to international best practice.
Key facts:
Who owns Karo Mining Holdings?
Tharisa plc holds 78.17% of Karo Mining Holdings as at September 2025. Karo Platinum is an 85% / 15% joint venture with Generation Minerals (Republic of Zimbabwe, free carry).
When is first ore?
What tenure does Karo Platinum have?
Initiatives include:
- Safety: Comprehensive protocols to protect all personnel and communities.
- Community Development: Engagement and investment to foster local economic growth.
- Environmental Stewardship: Planning for a 30 MWp solar PV plant to supplement power supply with renewable energy.
This integrated approach ensures that the Karo Platinum Project delivers lasting benefits economically, socially and environmentally.
