Lonmin has reviewed the problem in its number one furnace and found that it could lead to a larger loss of production than was first thought.

The firm had originally said that it was unsure of the impact of the problem on production.

However, the problem may lead to a loss of 20,000 oz of platinum as repair work is carried out throughout the week.

Alex Shorland-Ball, a company spokeswoman, said that the problem was only a minor setback.

It was discovered by a new condition-based monitoring system that was installed over the last year.

Ms Shorland-Ball said the firm was pleased the new system had detected the problem in enough time for the firm to manage the situation.

Lomnin is currently waiting for the furnace to cool off and work could take a week to complete.

"We are proud of the fact that the overhaul work that was done on the furnace over the last twelve months have paid off," she said.

She also revealed that the firm hopes to move the cooler outside the furnace to ensure that any further problems will not require a smelter cooling off period.



Source:

Another platinum smelter shutdown loses output, 30/06/08
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page35?oid=55675&sn=Detail

Lonmin closes furnace for repairs, 30/06/08
http://platinum.matthey.com/media_room/lonmin_closes_furnace_for_repairs_18661096.html