Anglo Platinum announces that, as a result of the reduction in output associated with achieving a significant improvement in employee safety, the ongoing shortage of skilled and semi-skilled labour and strike activity, Anglo Platinum will produce between 2,45 and 2,5 million ounces of refined platinum in 2007 reduced from the 2,6 to 2,65 million ounce forecast provided in July 2007.
The revised 2007 production target follows analysis of actual refined production to the end of October and takes into account:
- The completion of the ramp-up of production following Anglo Platinum’s decision to shut down Rustenburg Platinum Mines for 7 days in June 2007.
- Anglo Platinum’s decision to suspend production at its Turffontein shaft in Rustenburg to address safety issues by replacing service columns and steelwork, expected to last 134 days from 16 November 2007 which will reduce platinum output by 9,000 oz in 2007.
- Implementation of safety interventions at all remaining Anglo Platinum mines, including 1 day shut-downs
- The impact of the continued shortage and turnover of staff
- The increased frequency and duration of suspension of production by the regulatory authorities including the Kroondal Joint Venture where production was suspended today.
- The potential impact of the planned NUM one day industry-wide strike to improve worker safety awareness
- Wage related industry-wide strikes by mining contract employees
The impact on Anglo Platinum’s production levels in 2008 is currently being evaluated and an estimate will be provided when results for the financial year to 31 December 2007 are released.
Anglo Platinum continues to take pre-emptive action to address safety issues and is wholly committed to working with the Department of Minerals and Energy and all industry participants to achieve a safe working environment for all its employees.
Johannesburg, 16 November 2007
For further information contact:
Trevor Raymond
+27 11 373 6462
+27 82 654 8467