The South African mine is behind schedule for platinum-group metal ounces
By Sarah Wolfe
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Pilanesberg Platinum Mine in South Africa’s Northwest province is projected to meet its goal of 250,000 platinum-group metal ounces early next year. This is about a year later than the initial target date, reports TSX- and JSE-listed Platmin.
“PPM’s original planned production build-up to an annualized rate of 250,000 PGM ounces by the end of 2009 was an ambitious target, which has not been met. During the critical start-up phase, industry-wide industrial action precipitated ‘go slows’ and work stoppages by contractor employees at PPM, significantly slowing the build-up,” CEO Tom Dale told shareholders.
He explained the interruptions had impacted PPM’s ability to reach a balance between Merensky and upper-group two ores, which were needed for stability and consistency in the processing plants.
Platmin’s board of directors has approved a revised mine plan that aims for 160,000 PGM ounces in metal and sales in 2010 and to 250,000 PGM ounces by early 2011.
Learn more at: Mining Weekly
(Edited by Gabe Perna)