Limpopo is being touted as a potential 'platinum hub' ahead of plans to take a range of beneficiation projects forward.

Southern Era's chief development officer Alasdair MacPhee told the Limpopo International Investor Conference that he believed the province could become a major new centre for the precious metal.

According to Mining Weekly, Mr MacPhee went on to explain that the company was undertaking a prefeasibility study for another smelter in the region, with a range of projects scheduled to begin.

The firm may also consider a base-metals refinery in conjunction with other producers as well as further downstream processing.

Mr MacPhee suggested that the province could house its own autocatalyst industry, arguing it would be able to supply autocatalysts into the rest of Africa, as the province lies adjacent to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique.

Southern Era is currently involved in talks with Trade and Investment Limpopo regarding the establishment of both diamond and platinum facilities.