Mining giant Anglo American has announced a major investment into a platinum mine in Zimbabwe, Xinhua has reported.

Unki platinum mine in Shurugwi, in Zimbabwe's Midlands province, is the site for a US$20 million investment in an effort to develop the project.

The new money is designed to ensure that the Unki programme will continue apace, and Anglo American's director, James Maphosa, insisted that the original plans for the mine are still on track.

Those plans will see the mine open commercial platinum production either at the end of 2007 or 2008, and Mr Maphosa explained that the investment is to be used to fund the company's intensive geological testing of the Unki mine.

"We are busy working on developing the project. We have just completed the road and bridge and are carrying out tests," he explained.

The tests are being carried out to ensure that the project is ready for the launch of commercial platinum operations.


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