The closure of part of one of Anglo Platinum's mines following the death of a worker is costing the firm 1,300 oz of platinum production per day, the firm has revealed.

Trevor Raymond, Investor Relations Officer at Anglo Platinum, confirmed that three of the eight areas operated by the company at Rustenburg had been closed following the fatal accident, in line with the South African Department of Minerals and Energy's (DME) regulations on such matters.

Those closures mean that the platinum giant will be losing 1,300 oz of platinum production per day until at least October 22nd, which is when it is due to meet the DME to discuss the accident.

Anglo Platinum is hopeful that the department's officials will agree to the reopening of the mine at that meeting.

The accident occurred at Paardekraal shaft in Rustenburg on Wednesday, after which the shaft was immediately closed.

Meanwhile, Northam Platinum is expected to lose 1,000 oz of platinum group metal (pgm) production per day since closing its mine on Tuesday following the death of a worker. It is not known when that mine is likely to reopen.

Source:

Angloplat to shed 1,300 oz/d after fatality, 18/10/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=119451

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