PGM production at Platinum Australia's Smokey Hills mine has been impacted by a power interruption, it emerged today (29th January).

The company revealed that a lightning strike earlier this week at the South African facility has damaged the main control panel, causing a likely loss of 1,000 oz in output.

Although the mine and the crushing section of the plant were not affected, operations at the milling and flotation sections will not resume until power has been fully restored.

Eskom is temporarily providing approximately 50 per cent of the required electricity for the site, with the affected sections likely to be closed for between three and four days.

Platinum Australia also expects construction of the permanent connection from the state power utility's grid to be completed in March or April.

The company will then use the on-site generator plant to provide back-up power to ensure that production is not limited if similar incidents occur in the future.

Earlier this month, Platinum Australia announced that it had entered into a strategic partnership with Japan, Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation in relation to the Stellex North Project.

Source:

Platinum Australia reports power interruption at SA mine (29/01/10)

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