Northam Platinum has revealed that production at its Booysendal project should reach 480,000 t/month after a pre-feasibility study boasted impressive results.

Glyn Lewis, the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, said that production would be increased in blocks of 120,000 t/month in a bid to reach its target.

Mr Lewis believes this will reduce any risks relating to power supply as the project gets underway.

Construction will start in 2010 and Mr Lewis expects Eskom's power supply to be "dodgy", forcing the firm to look at "self-generation options".

At the moment, the firm will focus on developing a mine on the northern section of the project that should have a life of 50 years and would involve two shafts.

A study will set a target completion date for the second half of 2009, according to reports from Mining MX, and it is not expected to include the southern third of Booysendal.

Although this region has been the subject of much speculation over the involvement of Aquarius Platinum, Mr Lewis said options were still being explored.

Source:

Northam to build Booysendal from 2010, 25/08/08

http://www.miningmx.com/platinum/725605.htm