Eland Platinum has announced that it has been awarded a new mining right for its Elandsfontein Platinum Mine.

The move means that the platinum miner is on target to get its concentrator operations up and running next year.

Dr David Salter, Managing Director at Eland Platinum, said: "The award of our mining right is an important step for us."

He explained: "It means we can start stockpiling open pit ore early in 2007 to allow a fast and sustainable production ramp-up when we start concentrator operations in the fourth quarter of 2007."

Dr Salter also expressed his thanks to the South African department of minerals and energy, stating that it had given the firm "excellent guidance on compliance", helping Eland to meet the requirements for the new mining right.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd