SOUTH Africa-based diversified mining group African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) says it is looking at investing in Zimbabwe’s platinum sector as part of an ongoing regional expansion drive. Zimbabwe is increasingly becoming the next frontier for acquisitive mining companies who have been encouraged by a positive domestic operational environment as well as complementary world metal and mineral prices.
The latest to indicate interest in the country’s recovering mining industry is ARM which is owned by South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe. ARM produces platinum, gold, nickel, iron ore, chrome and coal says it is considering entering Zimbabwe’s largely undeveloped but rich platinum sector. “We are looking specifically at platinum in Zimbabwe to see what we can achieve there,” company Chief Executive Andre Wilkens said.
Zimbabwe, which has large undeveloped platinum reserves, is moving to boost investments in its mining sector which is recovering from years of decline prompted by political instability and near-economic collapse. An increase in platinum mine investment could would make more of the precious metal available to the jewellery industry, and they in turn could satisfy the ever-growing demand for platinum jewellery.
The country’s platinum sector is dominated by Impala Platinum which owns the Zimplats operation in Selous in addition to a 50 percent interest in the Zvishavane-based Mimosa platinum mine. Rival Anglo platinum is also developing the Unki platinum mine in the Midlands province town of Shurugwi.
Investors have largely welcomed the policy changes announced by the country’s coalition government saying that it will help to improve the country’s economy, especially through platinum sales to the jewellery industry.
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Worldwide demand for platinum jewellery spikes in 2009
Global demand for platinum jewellery rose by almost 80% in 2009, reaching 76.2 tonnes, according to the Johnson Matthey’s “Platinum 2009 Interim Review”. The review stated that China’s net demand for platinum reached a record high of 54.5 tonnes in 2009. Beijing currently accounts for a staggering 75% of global platinum jewellery demand, and is the biggest platinum jewellery market in the world due to the recent Chinese consensus that gold is out of date and fashion.
According to the Platinum Guild International (PGI), platinum prices are expected to remain stable in 2010, making market growth a likely possibility, thanks to both the bridal market – where people are increasingly choosing the clean modern look of platinum over more traditional precious metals; and the increasing numbers of younger platinum jewellery consumers.
According to the Platinum Guild International (PGI), platinum prices are expected to remain stable in 2010, making market growth a likely possibility, thanks to both the bridal market – where people are increasingly choosing the clean modern look of platinum over more traditional precious metals; and the increasing numbers of younger platinum jewellery consumers.
Platinum Wedding Bands
Platinum can be considered the premium metal for wedding bands, engagement rings and jewellery in general. Platinum is strong and durable, so a diamond set in platinum is secure; it really is a great way to protect your diamond investment. You may have to pay a little more for platinum now, but you literally get a piece of jewellery that can last a lifetime.
Platinum jewellery is becoming more and more popular, pushing out more traditional precious metals such as gold and silver. Platinum wedding rings now frequently appear in fashion magazines and other publications, confirming their position as the new in vogue metal.
There is an increasing belief that platinum is the superior metal choice for both men's and women's wedding bands. Yet for each individual, the same metal can also be symbolic of very different things. For her, platinum represents the pure expression of love shared. It is precious, rare and eternal. For him, platinum is a magnificent, distinguished and resilient mineral that separates the man wearing it from those that do not. No other precious metal offers the same level of excellence.
It is not just the look of the metal that should be considered when buying platinum wedding rings, but the durability and potential life of the jewellery. With the inflated costs of nearly everything associated with throwing a proper wedding (the cake, music, cuisine, etc.), platinum is one of the few items that may actually increase in value as time passes. Your platinum wedding band can potentially become an heirloom, so you can pass it down to future generations, making it not only valuable in monetary terms, but giving it sentimental value too.
Platinum jewellery is becoming more and more popular, pushing out more traditional precious metals such as gold and silver. Platinum wedding rings now frequently appear in fashion magazines and other publications, confirming their position as the new in vogue metal.
There is an increasing belief that platinum is the superior metal choice for both men's and women's wedding bands. Yet for each individual, the same metal can also be symbolic of very different things. For her, platinum represents the pure expression of love shared. It is precious, rare and eternal. For him, platinum is a magnificent, distinguished and resilient mineral that separates the man wearing it from those that do not. No other precious metal offers the same level of excellence.
It is not just the look of the metal that should be considered when buying platinum wedding rings, but the durability and potential life of the jewellery. With the inflated costs of nearly everything associated with throwing a proper wedding (the cake, music, cuisine, etc.), platinum is one of the few items that may actually increase in value as time passes. Your platinum wedding band can potentially become an heirloom, so you can pass it down to future generations, making it not only valuable in monetary terms, but giving it sentimental value too.
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