Aquarius Platinum has announced that its output levels dropped during the second half of 2006.

Lower production in Zimbabwe affected the platinum miner's overall output, causing production levels to fall by 2.4 per cent over the second six months of last year.

Chief Executive Stuart Murray explained: "The second quarter has delivered us some new challenges."

He added: "In Zimbabwe, both planned and unplanned plant shutdowns resulted in lower quarterly production."

During the final quarter, the company reported platinum group metal (pgm) output of 136,928 ounces, down from 140,227 ounces in the previous quarter.

Production at its Mimosa mine suffered the most, with a massive 22 per cent fall in production levels to 33,345 ounces during the three months to December 31st. Half of that production is attributable to Aquarius, with the other half belonging to its partners in the joint venture, Impala Platinum.

However, that was largely offset by the jump in production at Marikana, Aquarius's pool and share agreement venture with Anglo Platinum, where production rose by 27 per cent to 39,077 ounces.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd