Angloplat has hinted that the slowdown in the trajectory of the rand in recent weeks could offer a shot in the arm for the platinum major's pgm projects.

The strength of the rand over the course of the last year has been a particular problem for Angloplat and other South African mining outfits, as costs have proved prohibitive and undermined profit margins.

However, in the last three weeks the rand has begun to weaken, with chief executive Ralph Havenstein yesterday telling Business Day that the change could herald more pgm initiatives.

Whilst stressing that the "recovery is just two or three weeks old", and that it hasn't yet stabilised, Mr Havenstein said that the signs were positive.

"We produce in rand terms, and if it is sustainable it will make some decisions easier. We might bring some projects forward again."

Earlier in the year Angloplat warned that it may have to curtail some projects and even shut others as a result of the spiralling costs associated with the strong rand.

The chief executive also took the opportunity to comment on positive discussions with the labour unions in relation the rand's movement, adding that "it does have an effect in terms of job growth, with the impact of cost increases on the expansion of the company".

Ultimately, while the rand has dictated much of the company's expansion plans, Mr Havenstein pointed to a seven per cent growth in the firm last year which he expected to be repeated in the coming years.