Aquarius Platinum has announced a six per cent increase in production to 74,973 pgm ounces during the three months to December.

The London-listed miner also said that record production had been achieved at its Kroondal site ahead of schedule.

Additionally, Marikana production rose with a decrease in unit cash costs, while Mimosa production rates also improved but were offset by a shortened reporting period.

Commenting on production at the Kroondal mine, Aquarius said in a statement: "Platinum group metal production improved by six per cent to 71,523 pgm ounces for the quarter.

"878,000 tons were processed at an improved head grade of 3.15 g/t (3.02 g/t for the previous quarter)."

Aquarius also highlighted an increase in the pgm basket price to $700 per pgm ounce from $672 the previous quarter.

The Kroondal mine's annual output is also expected to double to 505,000 pgm ounces per annum over the year, Aquarius added.