Aquarius Platinum has announced record production for the second half of 2006.

The platinum miner has revealed it produced 277,156 ounces of platinum group metals (pgms) during the six months to December 31st, representing a record output for the firm in any six-month period.

Chief Executive, Stuart Murray, commented that the increased production levels and improved financial performance had come "despite the second quarter challenges as we focus on mine development for longer-term benefits, in order to continue to deliver production into the high commodity price environment".

The boost in production was helped by the increased output from a ramp-up in operations at the firm's new Everest mine, as well as a 45 per cent jump in output at its Marikana operation.

The company also posted profits of $85.4 million during the six months, representing a trebling of profits compared with the same period in 2005.

Revenues also increased, doubling thanks in part to the increased production at Aquarius' South African and Zimbabwean operations.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd