Ridge Mining has confirmed today (15th December) that it will be delaying the commissioning of its Blue Ridge plant after an accident occurred at the site.

The PGM developer had previously claimed in September that progress at the mine development was smooth and that first production would take place in the fourth quarter of 2008.

However, it has now announced that the commissioning of the South Africa-based project will now take place in the last week of January following the recent minor incident.

The company also confirmed in a statement that underground work has been successful and that a stockpile of over 200,000 tonnes of ore has been accrued on the surface.

This total will continue to be increased in the run-up to the commissioning of the plant, the statement revealed.

Blue Ridge is located on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex and its development commenced in January 2007.

Ridge Mining's other advanced PGM project is at the nearby Sheba's Ridge - a joint venture with Anglo Platinum and South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation.

Source:

Ridge Mining delays SAfrica plant after minor accident (15/12/08)
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSBNG39864920081215