The significant decline in platinum group metal (PGM) prices during 2023 has resulted in notably lower group profitability, despite disciplined cost control across several operations, PGMs mining and marketing company Implats reported on Thursday. The group generated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of R8.4-billion, headline earnings of R3.3-billion or 365c a share, and recorded a free cash outflow of R4.8-billion, after funding capital expenditure of R6.8-billion.