Aquarius has delivered its latest quarterly report, recording a $12.2 million net profit, with pgm production also on the rise.

The total attributable production of pgms for the quarter stood at 78,122 ounces, a rise of four per cent on the previous year.

The firm enjoyed a strong performance at most of its major mines, with Kroondal recording production of 69,051 pgm ounces.

At Marikana, mine production jumped by ten per cent on the quarter, hitting a new record high of 26,509 pgm ounces.

Chief executive Stuart Murray said that the firm was continuing to progress, with production expanding.

“Over the quarter Aquarius has worked hard to deliver a stronger production profile across all our operations.

"The additional ounces from the P&SA expansion are a welcome boost that will enhance overall production in the final quarter as the mine ramps up towards full production, and delivers ahead of time more ounces for longer," he commented.

Aquarius says its Everest construction programme is also proceeding as planned, with the mine expected to produce 225,000 oz of pgms per annum by 2006.