The beneficiation of platinum group metals (pgms) in South Africa is set for further consideration with the launch of a task team to help the country benefit further from its platinum production.

Earlier this week, the Platinum Group Metals Beneficiation Committee delivered a report to the South African minerals and energy minister, Buyelwa Sonjica, which considered the initiatives that need to be undertaken to increase beneficiation in the country.

The study, commissioned by the committee, aimed to identify areas in which development of beneficiation could be increased and was also designed to provide strategic recommendations for increased downstream value addition, reports iAfrica.

A statement from the department of minerals and energy said: "The minister and the leaders of business have committed to continuing with the process and implementing the recommendations of the study."

In an effort to put the findings of the report into practice, the department also announced the creation of specific task teams that will seek to address the operations that need to be carried out in order to allow South Africa to fully benefit from further beneficiation of platinum group metals.

Mining Weekly has reported that an official from the department believes the committee could have a "significant effect" on the beneficiation of platinum produced in South Africa.

Sources:

Team to explore PGM beneficiation, 27/06/07
http://business.iafrica.com/news/151119.htm

Govt, platinum-miners study local-value-add options, 27/06/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=111730

Ÿ Adfero Ltd