Anooraq Resources has revealed that pgm output at its Bokoni Platinum Mines project remained relatively flat on a quarter-on-quarter basis in Q3 2010.

The company posted overall production of 28,868 oz 4E (platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold) for the facility, while tonnes produced increased by eight per cent to 282,173.

Platinum production reached 15,742 oz, representing a decline of two per cent from the previous quarter, while palladium output was down by six per cent to 10,411 oz.

Rhodium output dipped by five per cent to 1,685 oz, with gold production up by one per cent to 1,030 oz, nickel output falling by six per cent to 219 tonnes and copper production five per cent lower at 131 tonnes.

In addition, the latest figures showed that recoveries improved by eight per cent to 3.67g/t 4E (recovered grade) during the three-month period.

The failure to boost output is being attributed to 32,000 tonnes remaining on the stockpile at the end of the quarter due to the shutdown of the concentrator.

This equates to 3,700 oz 4E which have not been incorporated in the production total, while also explaining the 11 per cent decrease in tonnes milled to 252,862.

With the concentrator now upgraded to a fully-automated system, the company will be treating the sizeable stockpile in the December quarter.

Anooraq President and Chief Executive Philip Kotze explained that the performance during the quarter vindicates the firm's confidence in the Bokoni orebody.

"Comparing Q3 2009 to Q3 2010, production is up, development completed has improved significantly and costs are down," he said.

"We continue to turn the Bokoni mine operations around to achieve sustainable operational improvements and long-term profitability."

Anooraq also revealed that development metres were eight per cent higher and vamping tonnes improved by 70 per cent, while mining productivity rose five per cent to 4.6 sq m per total employee costed.

Sources:



Anooraq Announces Results for the Period Ended September 30, 2010 (11/11/10)



Anooraq Q3 numbers hit by concentrator halt,safety stoppages (11/11/10) 

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