Anglo Platinum has informally indicated to trade unions and other groups representing workers that staff cuts may be a consequence of the strength of the rand, according to the Independent Online.

Company spokesman Mike Mtakati said all its projects were being reviewed in a bid to cut costs while the currency situation continues to limit profits.

A formal announcement will be made on the issue in November, said Mr Mtakati, after consultations with unions and associations.

The review has not been completed, he continued, so no indications of the likely numbers involved could be given.

His comments follow an earlier statement on the implications for production targets of a delay in the construction of Angloplat's concentrator at the Limpopo Twickenham mine.

This was running ahead of schedule, he said, and was being delayed simply because it made sense to defray some of the capital expenditure.

He reiterated his company's preference for the rand to settle at a rate in the region of 8.5 or 8 to the dollar.