Platinum production is likely to suffer at the Rustenburg mine after Impala Platinum confirmed that it has shut down three of its shafts and partially closed another one.

The world's second-largest producer of the precious metal is conducting investigations at the site in South Africa after a ground fall incident on Monday killed nine workers.

Spokesman Bob Gilmour revealed that the number 14 shaft - where the accident occurred - two shafts under development and part of the number 12 shaft have all been closed.

In an interview with Reuters yesterday (21st July), he said: "The investigation is the next step … how long that will take, we don't know at this time … nothing will happen this week."

Meanwhile, Mining Minister Susan Shabangu explained after making a visit to the site that the government will launch its own investigation to see if safety standards have been breached.

"We intend to go to the area where the accident occurred to determine the cause of the accident, but also to look at the safety standards, to see whether the company had complied," she told broadcaster SABC.

"The four shafts are going to have an inspection so as to ensure … that does not occur in any of those shafts within the company."

Impala Platinum currently operates a total of 14 mining shafts, five of which have underground decline systems.

Sources:

UPDATE 1-Implats shuts more S.Africa shafts after accident (21/07/09)

Fatal incident at Impala Platinum's 14 Shaft (20/07/09)

Update on fatal incident at Impala Platinum's 14 Shaft (21/07/09)

REG-Impala Platinum Hldg: FINAL UPDATE FATAL INCIDENT IMPALA PLATINUM'S 14 SHAFT (21/07/09)

Ÿ Adfero Ltd