Impala Platinum's refined platinum production in the third quarter of the 2009 financial year was nine per cent higher than in the corresponding period for 2008, it has been revealed.

In its Third Quarter Production Report For The Period 01 January to 31 March 2009, the JSE-listed pgm producer reported output of 385,000 oz of refined platinum over the period, which compares favourably with the 352,000 oz produced the year before.

Palladium production increased by 24 per cent due to the impact of customer receipts on nickel throughput and a lock-up in the comparable 2008 quarter.

However, platinum production actually fell at the company's Impala operations by 12 per cent on levels seen in the third quarter of 2008, with the corresponding figure for 2009 reading 153,000 oz.

This was blamed on a build-up in pipeline stocks and reduced Merensky tonnage milled.

The fall in platinum production will be directly addressed by a new management team, which will focus on-reef development.

Improvements will be targeted at the major Merensky shafts in particular, with grade control and people development specific areas where it is felt an impact can be made.

Other highlights of the report include the fact that tonnage at Marula rose by 18 per cent and platinum in matte production at Zimplats declined by 11 per cent.

Last month Niall Carroll was appointed as an alternate director to Thabo Mokgatlha on the board of directors of Implats.

Source:

Third quarter production report for the period 01 January to 31 March 2009 (18/05/09)

Ÿ Adfero Ltd