Lonmin Platinum's fast-tracked opencast mining project is performing better than expected, and helping to relieve pressure on an over-subscribed product worldwide.

The project was designed originally to provide between 115,000 and 120,000 additional ounces of platinum each year, but the venture has been so successful that these targets have been exceeded by a full 25 per cent during the first year of production.

According to general manager Bob Mulligan, who has been managing the project since October last year, platinum yield next year is expected to reach 135,000 oz.

'The overall project has been a huge success so far and, although it is not definite yet, there is every indication that opencast mining will continue beyond the current two-and-a-half year plan,' he told Mining Weekly .

A two million-ton opencast reserve on the Merensky Horizon at Rustenberg could be mined soon, if profits allow.

Project manager Dr Wynand van Dyk revealed that Lonmin's growth plan is being pursued.

'..all of Lonmin Platinum's operations are producing at planned rates,' he said.