Operations have been suspended at one of two shafts at Impala Platinum's Marula Mine, following the death of two workers, the firm has announced.

Impala Platinum and the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) Principal Inspector of Mines Limpopo region shut the Clapham shaft on Tuesday night, after a blast in one of the shafts.

Les Paton, Executive Director at Impala Platinum, told Reuters: "We have stopped all production at the shaft until investigations into the cause of the accident is completed.

"Marula produces 6,000 oz of platinum and 50 per cent of that production would be affected."

The DME will now conduct an investigation into the incident, with Mr Paton unable to confirm when operations at the shaft will resume.

Mr Paton added that he was saddened by the loss and that the incident would provide further impetus to its programme to improve safety.

"Impala Platinum Holdings Limited remains committed to its long term policy of 'zero harm' and we are pursuing this challenge with vigour," he said.

Source:

Impala Platinum says shuts shaft after accident, 24/10/07
http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN453788.html

Implats regrets death of two employees at Marula Platinum, 24/10/07
http://www.implats.co.za/im/press/display.asp?id=212

Ÿ Adfero Ltd