South African pgm firm Lonmin has reported an explosion at one of its platinum smelters.

The company, which is due to post its full-year results next week, said that it had suffered "structural damage" but said that it did not envisage the incident impacting on production.

Lonmin said that cooling water had leaked into the furnace at the smelter at its platinum mine causing a steam explosion.

There were no injuries sustained as a result of the explosion, but the pgm firm said it would have to shut down the smelter for repairs for between six and 12 weeks.

While the company said it had begun putting its contingency plans in place to avoid any disruption, it will be providing a more detailed assessment of the extent of the damage "in due course".