Northam Platinum has been forced to shut down the converters at its Zondereinde platinum mine, it was confirmed yesterday (17th May).

The company revealed that the precipitator at the South African plant has been damaged, although no-one was injured as a result of the incident.

Chief Executive Glyn Lewis announced that it has launched an investigation to find the cause of the problem, which is expected to take about six weeks to repair.

"The interruption will have a negative effect on sales for the current financial year," he said.

"Material will be stockpiled while the repairs are being effected."

The precipitator is designed to remove particulate matter from off-gas emissions before they are released into the atmosphere via the facility's chimney stack.

Northam currently achieves about 300,000 oz of pgms per year from the long-life Zondereinde mine, which is located near Thabazimbi.

Last month, Northam confirmed that Mvelaphanda Resources had sold its 12.1 per cent holding in the company to Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation.

Sources:

Northam shuts down converters at Zondereinde mine (17/05/10)

Northam Platinum Expects Sales Hit As It Repairs Mine Plant (17/05/10)

© Adfero Ltd