Lonmin expects to lose between 5,000 and 10,000 oz in platinum production as a result of the damage to its number one smelter.

The firm has confirmed that it resumed normal smelting operations at the furnace on July 5th after replacing a copper waffle inside the smelter.

A full investigation into the cause of the water leak, which resulted from the damaged copper waffle, is now underway.

A new condition-based monitoring system was installed in the furnace over the last year.

The firm has to power the furnace down so that inspectors could examine the cooler and make any necessary repairs.

At one stage it had been thought that Lonmin could lose as much as 20,000 oz of platinum as repair work took place.

The firm is considering whether to move the cooler outside the furnace so that it will not require a cooling period in the event of future problems.

Source:

Normal Smelting Operations Resume, 07/07/08
http://www.lonmin.com/news.aspx?pageid=185&pressID=205

Lonmin expects losses from smelter shutdown, 01/07/08
http://www.platinum.matthey.com/media_room/lonmin_expects_losses_from_smelter_shutdown_18663992.html

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