Multotec Scales Operations to Support Resurgent Platinum Group Metals Sector Amid Brownfield Expansions and Tailings Recovery

Multotec deploys new spiral pilot plants and screening tech to support PGM brownfield expansions and tailings re-treatment amid rising metal prices.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 9:44 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Mining Weekly

Capitalizing on the PGM Market Recovery

The recent stabilization and recovery of Platinum Group Metals (PGM) prices have sparked a significant increase in activity across the mining sector, particularly regarding brownfield expansion projects. Multotec, a global leader in mineral processing equipment, has positioned itself to capture this momentum by offering a suite of specialized technologies designed to optimize existing operations. According to process manager Mboneni Ntsieni, the shift in market sentiment follows a challenging period of volatility driven by the rise of electric vehicles and rising operational costs. The company’s strategic focus is now directed toward supporting clients as they transition from a period of investor caution into a phase of renewed industrial growth.

Addressing Persistent Infrastructure and Policy Hurdles

Despite the positive market outlook discussed at the recent PGMs Industry Day in Johannesburg, the sector continues to grapple with systemic challenges, including energy constraints and legislative uncertainty. Ntsieni emphasized that urgent government intervention is required to address these bottlenecks, which currently act as a drag on the industry's full growth potential. Multotec is navigating these complexities by working closely with mining houses to improve plant efficiency, thereby mitigating the impact of high energy costs. By providing equipment that requires less frequent maintenance and offers higher throughput, the company aims to buffer its clients against the prevailing domestic economic pressures.

The Strategic Rise of Tailings Re-treatment

A notable trend within the current PGM landscape is the growing interest in tailings re-treatment, as mining companies seek to extract maximum value from existing resources with minimal capital risk. This approach allows operators to bypass the high costs and lengthy lead times associated with new greenfield developments. Multotec has responded to this demand by leveraging its technical expertise to provide fit for purpose equipment specifically designed for secondary recovery. By focusing on these existing waste streams, the company helps clients improve their environmental footprint while simultaneously boosting their bottom line through the recovery of previously discarded minerals.