Ridge Mining confirmed on Friday (30th January) that the first concentrate from its new Blue Ridge platinum plant will be produced by the end of this month.

The UK company was forced to alter the commissioning target following a minor accident, but it has revealed that contractor Bateman Engineering has now met its requirements.

Furthermore, underground mining development at the site - located 30km south-east of Groblersdal, on the eastern limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex - is continuing on schedule.

Ridge Mining explained that the plant features two 120,000-tonne-per-month capacity decline shafts with an 18-year lifespan, while it also confirmed that 250,000 tonnes are stockpiled on the surface and ready to be processed.

Previous estimates suggested that the mine would hit full capacity halfway through 2009 and be capable of offering pgm output of 149,000 oz per year.

The company is also working on the nearby Sheba's Ridge Project with Anglo Platinum and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, following the completion of a full feasibility study at the end of 2007.

Source:

First platinum concentrate from Blue Ridge end Feb (30/01/09)
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