South Africa's state power firm has allowed mines in the country to make only limited increases to their electricity consumption, it has been reported.

While it had initially been thought that Eskom would be able to be able to meet 90 per cent of the electricity needs of South Africa's gold, platinum, diamond and coal miners, the company has intimated that generating plant breakdowns mean it is now only possible to supply them with 80 per cent of their needs.

Power cuts shut mines last week and have prompted fears of a slowdown in growth of the South African economy, while global precious metal prices have been pushed to a record high.

Eskom says that shortages could last for a number of years.

However, Anglo Platinum, the world's biggest platinum producer, has announced that it is still mining at full capacity on 80 per cent power supplies, and is hoping for more electricity in the near future.

Trevor Raymond, head of investor relations at Anglo Platinum, told Reuters he was optimistic that Eskom would deliver on its promise of achieving 90 per cent power supply next week.

Sources:

S.Africa mines make slow progress in restarting, 01/02/08
http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL0176241920080201?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0

Angloplat mining at full capacity on 80 pct power, 31/01/08
http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnWEB3757.html

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