South African platinum producer Angloplat announced today that first-half headline earnings-per-share are expected to rise by more than 30 per cent compared to the same period last year.

In the six-month period to June 30th 2004, headline earnings-per-share were 697.9 cents, a figure forecast to rise by between 30 and 35 per cent according to today’s trading statement.

The statement added that the first-half headline earnings will include a benefit of R172 million arising from a reduction in Angloplat’s deferred tax liability.

Although the company’s share price barely moved following the release of the trading statement, it has grown by 53 per cent over the year, mainly due to increased export income facilitated by a weakening in the rand.

Majority owned by mining giant Anglo American, Angloplat is the world’s biggest platinum producer, accounting for 40 per cent of the global platinum supply.

Angloplat will publish its interim results on July 27th.