Anglo Platinum (Angloplat), the world's largest platinum producer, has received official clearance to go ahead with its new mine at Ga-Tshaba, South Africa.

A South African court granted the company permission to begin the project, which will be operated by Potgietersrust platinums.

The expansion project will add 230,000oz per year to Angloplat's total production.

Angloplat was forced to appear in court after a lawsuit was filed by local communities attempting to halt the project there because it interfered with their access to arable land and restricted their cattle from grazing.

The lawsuit demanded an urgent halt to activities such as drilling, as the local communities argued it was damaging the land.

The miner is set to invest R6 billion into the area, however.

It will also create jobs, both directly and indirectly, in a part of South Africa particularly affected by high unemployment.

Anglo Platinum has also set aside at least R600 million to relocate some communities in the area to farms where properly serviced townships will be established.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd