Production of platinum group metals (PGM) was reduced to 191,942 oz at Aquarius Platinum's mining operations.

Releasing its third quarter results, Aquarius Platinum said production at the Kroondal project was down by one per cent to 100,020 oz.

Production at Marikana was reduced by 36 per cent due to industrial action and high rainfall which affected open pit operations while production at the Everest project also decreased by 33 per cent.

Meanwhile, production at the Mimosa and CTRP projects decreased by 13 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

Stuart Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Aquarius Platinum, said the results demonstrated a challenging quarter for the company.

"Very well flagged power supply and industrial relations issues combined with the switch to owner-operator mining at Everest all lowered production," he said.

A statement from the group also said that fourth quarter production should be improved in all areas.

Levels of 80 to 85 per cent of ultimate production rates are expected at the Everest project in the fourth quarter, a fact the firm described as "very encouraging".

The firm also posted a 59 per cent increase in third-quarter net profit as record prices for precious metals were able to out weigh the drop in production.

Source:

Aquarius Platinum Third Quarter 2008 Production & Financial Results, 24/04/08
http://www.aquariusplatinum.com/aquarius_db/files/AQP%20Q3%202008%2031%20March%202008.pdf

Aquarius Q3 net lifted 59 pct, eyes higher output, 24/04/08
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSL2418733620080424