Platinum miner Angloplat has announced a joint venture with Xstrata Alloys that will see it develop a pgm mine in Mpumalanga, on the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa.

In a programme that is anticipated to produce around 132,000 ounces of platinum and 82,000 ounces of palladium in concentrate per annum, Angloplat and Xstrata have formed the Mototolo Joint Venture.

Under the terms of the joint venture, Angloplat will construct and manage a 200,000 tonnes per month pgm concentrator, while Xstrata will have responsibility for developing and operating the underground mine, as well as providing expertise in mechanised room and pillar mining.

It is anticipated that the mine will have a lifespan of approximately 20 years, with a planned milling rate of 200,000 tonnes per month.

Angloplat stated that construction of the mine and concentrator is expected to take place during the third quarter of 2005, with initial production commencing as early as the final quarter of 2006.

Ralph Havenstein, chief executive of Angloplat, commented: "By leveraging off the strengths and experience of both partners, this project will accelerate Eastern Bushveld platinum development."