Anglo Platinum produced 1,128,200 ounces of platinum during the first half of 2008, an 11 per cent decrease on the same period last year.

Production decreased by 145,800 oz and the firm blamed disruption caused by flooding at the Amandelbult mine.

Underground working areas had been flooded but production is now restored.

Anglo Platinum also said that lower throughput at the Mogalakwena South concentrator and the suspensions of operations to develop shaft steelwork at the Turffontein shaft of the Rustenburg mine also contributed.

The power shortages suffered during January also had an adverse effect on production.

A statement from the firm said it was continuing to try and improve operating efficiencies but identified several key risks affecting future output.

It said that the impact of a constrained electricity supply as well as the ongoing skills shortage could have an effect.

"Mining output in the second half of 2008 will increase significantly as Amandelbult and the Turffontein shaft have returned to full production and the Mogalakwena North project ramp-up is almost complete," a statement said.

Anglo Platinum has not changed its yearly forecast, expecting to produce 2.4 million ounces by the end of 2008.



Source:

Interim report for June 2008, 28/07/08
http://www.angloplatinum.com/