Announcing its production report for the three months and six months to March 31st 2008, Lonmin revealed 138,124 oz of platinum and 257,816 oz of platinum group metals (PGMs) were produced in the second quarter.

Production in the second quarter was hampered by the planned Number One furnace inspection and repair which was brought forward as a result of the power crisis in South Africa.

But the report stated that work had been completed and the furnace resumed full production on March 2nd 2008.

"Our mining operations were significantly affected by a combination of the four day Eskom power outage at the end of January," a statement said.

Refined production for the half was 282,650 oz of platinum.

The statement from the firm indicated that platinum sales for the year would be around 775,000 oz based on a steady improvement in the underlying performance of mines.

But the guidance does not take into account the constraints on electricity supply imposed by the Eskom power crisis.

Source:

First Half Production Report, 23/04/08
http://www.lonmin.com/assets/080423%20-%20h1%20production%20report%20final.pdf

Lonmin cuts FY platinum sales forecast to 775,000 ounces, 23/04/08
http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/23/afx4921867.html