African Platinum has been mulling over the possibility of constructing its own smelter, the firm's chief executive has revealed.

Roy Pitchford has stated that the company could build its own smelter and even a refinery as it looks to become a million ounce producer of pgms.

Following its recent agreement with Impala Platinum, the company is eager to look into the potential of building its own smelter and the deal with Impala will allow the company to keep some of its concentrate for test work in relation to a smelter.

Mr Pitchford is confident that the company will soon be producing enough pgms to justify the establishment of a smelter and perhaps even a refinery on the site.

Speaking to Miningmx, he explained: "This could end up being a million ounce producer at some point in the future."

African Platinum is aiming to produce 300,000 oz per year of four platinum group elements, beginning in 2011, before stepping up to 600,000 oz per year at a later point in the project's development.

At that point Mr Pitchford believes it would be worth the company having its own smelter and base metals refinery.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd