A Deeper Look at PAR’s Elikhulu Operation

Pan African Resources' Elikhulu tailings retreatment plant in Mpumalanga, South Africa, has established itself as a flagship operation that transforms historic mine waste into substantial economic value while delivering strong operational performance. In the 2025 financial year, the facility produced approximately 52,606 ounces of gold, representing nearly 26% of the group's total gold production of 196,527 ounces and marking a 5.6% increase in total group production year-over-year.

The operation demonstrates exceptional cost efficiency with an All-in Sustaining Cost of US$1,077 per ounce, positioning it as a low-cost, long-life asset within PAR's portfolio. Elikhulu processes approximately 1.2 million tonnes of historical tailings monthly using modern extraction technology that includes hydraulic mining, proprietary pre-oxidation processes, and Carbon-in-Leach technology. The plant's innovative design eliminates the need for regrind mills and thickeners while maintaining low reagent consumption and utilizing recycled water from adjacent operations.

Beyond its production metrics, Elikhulu serves a critical environmental function by reclaiming three existing tailings storage facilities (Kinross, Leslie, and Winkelhaak) and consolidating them into a single, modern facility. This process significantly reduces Evander Mines' environmental liability while creating substantial employment opportunities, with the operation directly employing 152 permanent staff and 214 contractors. The project's eight-year remaining life includes plans to begin processing the Winkelhaak TSF in FY2027, with sonic test drilling scheduled for FY2026 to update mineral reserve estimates.

The operation exemplifies responsible mining practices through its commitment to safety, community development, and environmental stewardship. PAR invested over US$6 million in social and community upliftment projects in the previous financial year while procuring over US$11 million from historically disadvantaged businesses. This integrated approach positions Elikhulu as a model for sustainable tailings retreatment operations that deliver both economic value and positive ESG outcomes in the South African mining sector.