South African mining companies are hoping to resume production of platinum later this week after being allowed to carry out underground maintenance work.

A meeting has been scheduled on Wednesday that will decide when and how the mines will re-start production and Reuters reports that it will be in phases so as not to compromise the fragile power grid.

Platinum mining was stopped on Thursday and Anglo Platinum said: "We expect more clarity on when we can resume mining later in the week."

A task team has been formed to try and stabilise the power supply and get the mines working.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Buyelwa Sonjica and Alec Erwin, Minister of Public Enterprises, met with Eskom to discuss supply and develop measures that would re-open the mines.

Ministers agreed that there would be sufficient power to re-open the mines so the safety of workers could be ensured.

The crisis began when unexpected failures and dwindling stockpiles followed Eskom taking down some of its power plants for maintenance.

Source:

SAfrica mines hope to resume output later this week, 28/01/08
http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL2848862420080128?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0

South Africa: Task Team to Rebuild Power Supply At Mines, 27/01/08
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801280055.html

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