Platinum production at Anglo Platinum (Angloplat) over the first six months of the year was up on the same period last year.

Refined platinum production increased by six per cent during the first half of the year compared to the first half of 2005, reaching 1.34 million ounces.

The increase was mainly due to increased mining production and the release of metal from pipeline stocks.

Refined platinum production for 2006 is expected to be between 2.7 and 2.8 million ounces.

A vertical shaft at one of Angloplat's South African mines is shortly to be approved by the company's board, according to its chief executive.

The new shaft will be installed at Paardekraal in Rustenburg, according to Mining Weekly. His comments came as he announced a 117 per cent increase in per-share earnings to R20.02 a share in the first half of 2006.

The chief executive also said that the R3.8 billion PPRust North Expansion, approved last year, would produce an additional 230 000 oz of platinum a year from 2009.

"We are pleased with the ongoing robust demand for platinum group metals at current prices and with our record half-year financial performance," he said.

"We remain focussed on increasing production at improved operating efficiencies."

Ÿ Adfero Ltd