Zimbabwe Platinum has reported a fall in output during the last quarter of 2006 compared to the previous three months.

The platinum mining company has revealed that it mined 214,000 tonnes of ore during the three months to December 31st, down from 322,000 tonnes in the previous quarter.

Zimbabwe Platinum explained that the reduction had been expected and came as a result of planned maintenance work at its smelter.

"Production was reduced as a result of the lower concentrate output following the planned seven-day maintenance shut-down," the firm confirmed.

Open cast ore production fell by 34 per cent during the period after ore bench blasting that had been scheduled for December was postponed until January, Zimbabwe Platinum added.

The fall in production, plus the costs of the maintenance work, contributed to an eight per cent dip in profits at the firm.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd