Braemore Resources has today (19th January) released its first set of PGM production figures for the renovated 3.2MW smelter at its Mintek site.

The company revealed that the smelter - which was commissioned last September after being enlarged and has been pushing for full capacity since October - produced 5,971 PGM oz for its first period of operation.

Furthermore, it has been confirmed that a recovery rate of 99.52 per cent was attained from the high-chrome content pgm concentrate feed, a figure which has been applauded by Braemore CEO Leon Coetzer.

He said: "This is an exceptional recovery rate for a smelter processing high-chrome, low-pgm content concentrates and the smelter is well on its way to achieving its annualised pgm production targets."

The smelter can produce around 2,000 tonnes of concentrate and associated feed per month, while also generating 70,000 oz per year in iron-nickel alloy-based pgms, subject to feed grade.

The company's figures also showed that the smelter managed to produce 4,024 oz of pgms from the high-content feed in December alone, which translates to 83g/t of pgms and three per cent chrome.

Braemore Resources is attempting to develop into a top ten international nickel and pgm producer.

Source:

First period pgm production update (19/01/09)
http://www.braemoreresources.com/im/press_display.php?Id=2009/19jan09