Production at Aquarius Platinum is expected to increase in the 2010 financial year to meet heightening interest in the pgm market.

Speaking during a conference call which followed the publication of the group's results, Aquarius chief executive officer Stuart Murray said 2010 financial year production is likely to be between eight and 12 per cent higher than the figure quoted for 2009, Mining Weekly reports.

This would put output at between 490,000 pgm 4E oz and 500,000 pgm 4E oz, making it comparable to the 500,203 pgm 4E oz level seen in financial year 2008.

However, Mr Murray noted that production in financial year 2009 would have been higher had work not been halted at the company's Everest mine in December 2008 due to subsidence.

Higher prices were provided as evidence by Mr Murray of the increased activity in the pgm market, with the automotive sector in particular said to be picking up.

Expanding on this theme, he said that automotive recovery was likely to signal a return to better times for the pgm industry.

Source:

Aquarius CEO sees more activity in PGM market (12/08/09)Full Year Results: 30 June 2009 (12/08/09)

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