Impala Platinum is concerned about long-term power supply for its South African platinum projects and proposed power price increases.

Eskom has struggled to meet the power supply demands of platinum mines across the country which has affected output.

David Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Impala Platinum, told Reuters that power supply was not at the right level.

"How long will the deficit impact on future projects, is it until 2012 or 2013?" he said.

Despite the fact that it has only been receiving 90 per cent of its normal power supply since January, Impala Platinum is growing more concerned that its future projects may struggle to begin production.

Mr Brown said the firm was still trying to secure power for the Leeuwkop project and Impala Platinum does not have enough to begin mining.

"What we need is certainty for planning. At this rate, investment in future mining in this country is going to start drying up," said Mr Brown.



Source:

Implats CEO worried about long-term power supply, 21/05/08
http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN131162.html