Eastern Platinum has announced that a new decline development is now underway at the Crocodile River mine, in conjunction with Barplats, which will increase production.

Murray & Roberts Cementation is carrying out the development, which is taking place at the Zandfontein section of the mine, as part of a R65 million two-year contract which was initiated in July this year.

Tom van den Berg, general manager at the Crocodile River mine, commented that the production levels will be increased to 140,000 tonnes of platinum per month by mid 2009

An 8.5-metre existing diameter vertical shaft has been dewatered and Eastern Platinum has reported that it is in excellent condition, meaning that it has been able to contribute to the mine's production by providing an intake airway. It has also allowed for multi-blast conditions, meaning that high speed development of the mine project is able to take place.

Mr Van den Berg added: "The development at Zandfontein is a significant milestone for the Crocodile River Mine."

Ÿ Adfero Ltd