Further to the reports today (5th November) that part of Anglo Platinum's smelter plant in Polokwane just outside South Africa's Limpopo Province is on fire, Anglo Platinum has confirmed that there was a fire this morning at its smelter plant in Polokwane, just outside Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Firefighters were called to the scene after thick smoke was seen coming from the plant. The world's largest producer of platinum prevented workers from entering the premises. Some miners have reportedly claimed that they heard a series of explosions before the smoke started appearing

Anglo Platinum report that a furnace run-out occurred at just after 08:00 local time which caused matte to come into contact with rain water which had collected in the emergency run-out bunds.

The chain of events followed a failure on a furnace matte end wall which had not been replaced and Anglo has now launched an investigation, while also estimating that repairs will take six weeks.

However, the smelter has been shut down and it is believed that the company's output of refined platinum this year will be reduced by between 150,000 oz and 200,000 oz.

A statement read: "Due to the significant amount of concentrate stocks already accumulated during 2008 Anglo Platinum's smelting and refining capacity remains fully utilised and losses associated with this shut down will not be recovered during 2008.

"Concentrate accumulated during the shut down should be released as refined metal during the first half of 2009."

Anglo also confirmed that no one was injured in the blaze.

Source: 

Fire at Limpopo Anglo Platinum plant (05/11/08)
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1995684/

Anglo Platinum Confirms Polokwane Smelter Shutdown (05/11/08)
http://www.angloplatinum.com