South African platinum miner, Anglo Platinum, has announced a six per cent increase in production during the first six months of the year.

The company has revealed that output of refined platinum grew to 1.34 million ounces for the six months to June 30th.

It also announced that there is currently strong demand for platinum and platinum group metals (pgms) in the market, with demand from the jewellery sector described as "pleasing".

However, it was the autocatalyst industry which has been driving demand in the platinum market, claims Anglo Platinum, stating that interest from makers of catalysts was "very strong" over the first six months of 2006.

The world's largest platinum producer predicts that its full-year platinum production will rise to between 2.7 and 2.8 million ounces.

Anglo Platinum also announced that its headline earnings per share jumped by a massive 180 to 200 per cent during the first half of 2006.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd