Braemore Resources produced 6,115 oz of platinum group metals (pgm) from the Mintek smelting facilities during the quarter ending in December.

The period was the first of commercial production at the new smelter and the firm believes that it demonstrates the economic potential and operational performance of the facility.

Recoveries at the smelter averaged at 98.4 per cent and Managing Director Hamish Bohannan was pleased with the results.

"Completion of our first quarter's production confirms that our exclusive license for the ConRoast process can provide emerging pgm producers with an economic alternative for smelting their concentrates with significant levels of chrome," he explained.

He said that the ConRoast smelters were "cleaner" than traditional processes.

Meanwhile the firm was looking to secure its electricity options in the wake of the power crisis and said that it was evaluating its own standby facilities.

"As part of our risk mitigation for our planned 10 MW start-up, we are comfortable with firm in-house alternate power generation options which may be implemented," said Mr Bohannan.

Sources:

Braemore announces first production results for Mintek-technology smelter, 19/02/08
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=127255

Ÿ Adfero Ltd