Impala Platinum (Implats) claims it has made a major technological breakthrough that could see its production of platinum group metals (pgm) significantly increase.

The pgm firm says that it has found a way to cope with the higher levels of chrome found in the UG2 reef, which is the major resource being explored by the emerging new platinum mines in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Chrome acts as a hindrance to the smelting process, through which platinum concentrates are upgraded into smelter matte to be sent for refining, which ultimately forms the final metal.

Implats says that it has now found a way to combat this effect, meaning it can take on
concentrates with a maximum of two per cent chrome, as opposed to the one per cent barrier previously in existence.

Implats chief Keith Rumble claims that may be pushed even higher, but says information on precisely how the technology works will remain confidential.

'It revolves around a better understanding of the chemistry in the furnaces and keeping track of the energy balances. We have been on a three-year learning curve over this,' he told the Financial Mail.

The news represents Implats' second big technical advance this year, following the group's successful cut in its sulphur dioxide emissions.