One of the world's largest platinum producers has announced that it is to ramp up its production of pgms over the next few years.

Lonmin, the third largest platinum producer in the world, made the announcement as it unveiled its interim results.

The increased production will include the expansion of mining activity at its Marikana mine and the opening of a new operation at Limpopo, expected to begin in 2007. A 30 per cent increase in production from current levels is predicted.

"This profile will see the business grow to 1.3 million ounces of Platinum production in 2010. We currently have three mining projects in various stages of feasibility," said chief executive, Bradford Mills.

"Beyond this we are locking in further growth options through our identified projects and high quality exploration portfolio," he added.

Two other projects, not included as part of the 30 per cent production increase, are currently the subject of feasibility studies.

The company is on track to produce around one million ounces of platinum in concentrate by the end of the financial year, which ends on September 30th.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd