A meeting between Anglo Platinum and the Department of Minerals and Energy to discuss the continued closure of the Paardekraal mine did not take place yesterday, the company has confirmed.

The mine closure followed the death of one worker and the injury of another after a rockfall at the shaft in Rustenburg last week.

Now, following the failure of the two parties to meet, Anglo Platinum's spokesman Simon Tebele has announced that production is still suspended at the three of its shafts, which account for 40 per cent of total output at the Paardekraal operation.

A statement issued by the firm last week said that this is expected to result in losses of 1,300 oz of refined platinum daily.

News of the prolonged suspension of operations follows Northam Platinum's announcement that its underground mine also remains shut, following an accident which caused the death of a miner.

The closure is estimated to be costing Northam Platinum 1,000 oz of platinum group metals per day.

Source:

Angloplat shafts remain shut after meeting with govt postponed, 22/10/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=119607

Angloplat shafts remain shut – officials, 22/10/07
http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5021881

Ÿ Adfero Ltd