Angloplat has today sought to play down suggestions that the firm is on the brink of expansion in China.

The firm moved to quell speculation that it would enter the Chinese pgm production market after Chinese media reported that the firm was considering opening up new sites in the area.

Angloplat spokesman Mike Mtakati told Dow Jones that while talks concerning expansion had been held, suggestions that a deal with an unnamed Chinese partner to establish an exploration joint venture in Sichuan province were wide of the mark.

"Things are at a very early stage and I don't think there's much of a story," he commented.

Mr Mtakati said the company is looking at exploration potential in China and not at building a mine.