Platinum Australia has begun construction of its Smokey Hills mining operation, it has been confirmed.

Once open, the mine is expected to yield production of 90,000 oz of platinum group metals during 2008/09, with full production of 95,000 oz anticipated the next year.

Contractors GRD Minproc, the EPCM and Protech Khuthele have been onsite since November 19th, with work on site earthworks and transport links now underway, according to Platinum Australia's Managing Director John Lewins.

Civil works are set to start in December with open pit mining due to commence during January 2008, Mr Lewins added.

Meanwhile, plant commissioning is scheduled for June next year.

Mr Lewins said: "This marks yet another major step for PLA (Platinum Australia) in moving from successful explorer to mid-tier PGM producer and reflects our commitment to the project at a very early stage through ordering long lead time items and awarding the EPCM contract.

"This enabled detailed design work to commence, and the benefits can be seen with plant commissioning scheduled for June 2008. Had we waited for the Mining Right to be issued before making these commitments, we would now be looking at March 2009 as the commissioning date."

Source:

Work starts on Platinum Aust plant, 26/11/07
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/852948/

Platinum Australia starts construction at Smokey Hills, 26/11/07
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page674?oid=40640&sn=Detail

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