Plans to cut energy use at the first project to be developed by the Western Bushveld Joint Venture (WBJV) have been announced.

Engineers hope to make the mine more efficient to operate through changes to its design which are aimed at increasing early production rates and optimising capital requirements, Mining Weekly reports.

News of the moves, on the part of WBJV partners Anglo Platinum, Wesizwe Platinum and Platinum Group Metals (PTM), comes as some reports had suggested that power shortages in South Africa could be set to jeopardise expansion in the platinum mining sector.

PTM President R Michael Jones said: "Our engineering team is working to optimise the proposed design and respond to concerns regarding power supply.

"We have shallow resources that can be accessed quickly with lower capital costs and reduced electrical demands when compared to deep ounces."

Mr Jones added that no changes have been made to the development schedule at the operation, with the first feasibility study set to continue until the second quarter of this year and that first production is still scheduled for 2010.

SOURCE:

'Refinements' to WBJV mine design aimed at cutting power use, 23/01/08
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=125003

Power shortages to stymie Anglo Platinum's expansion plans?, 21/01/08
http://www.platinum.matthey.com/media_room/1200916808.html


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