Platinum Australia has awarded GRD Minproc with the contract to design and build the processing plant at its $40 million Smokey Hills project.

Mining work has already begun after Platinum Australia confirmed that Sentula Mining had started their work along with the earthworks contractor Protech Khutele and the civil works contractor Murray & Roberts.

Speaking to Mining Weekly Managing Director John Lewins, confirmed that the majority of equipment had been ordered and the major contracts awarded.

"We are now fully focused on the site construction activities," he confirmed.

The first ore feed is expected in July according to Mr Lewins, who said that some delays had occurred.

"Although heavy rains and unexpected rock formations have caused some delays to the project schedule, at this point we are still anticipating the first ore feed in July 2008," he explained.

The Smokey Hills project was designed to mine 97,000 oz of platinum group metals (pgm) and gold to deliver to Impala Refining Services.

Sources:

Platinum Australia awards Smokey Hills processing plant contract, 27/01/08
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=127911

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