Aquarius Platinum could see its output affected in the coming months as it is considering closing its Blue Ridge mine.

Two workers died following an accident at the South African facility - which is 50 per cent-owned by the company - prior to the end of its latest financial year in June.

In the wake of the fatalities, the world's fourth-largest platinum producer revealed that it had cut its FY11 output target at the mine by a fifth to about 80,000 oz pgm.

However, the company confirmed that this figure could now be substantially lower if it presses ahead with plans to shut Blue Ridge for seven months for a revamp.

Production of 110,474 oz was recorded by Aquarius in the three months to the end of June 2010, compared to 98,258 oz in the equivalent period in 2009.

The firm also revealed that this figure was seven per cent higher than the total for Q3 FY10, mainly due to the restart of the Everest mine.

Blue Ridge, which is also owned by Imbani Platinum, is expected to produce 120,000 oz pgm per year at full capacity.

Source:

Aquarius Platinum may shut Blue Ridge mine (14/09/10)

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