Southern Platinum chairman Christopher Jennings has told a platinum conference that the firm is seeking to ensure it can ward off any potential hostile takeovers.

Mr Jennings revealed that the Canadian-listed company was putting in place a number of measures to thwart any bidders, adding that the company was beginning to establish itself following its spin off from former pgm miner Southern Era.

His comments followed the announcement of a dip in quarterly profits revealed this week, with the chairman also emphasising the company's commitment to safety and innovation in the platinum mining industry.

He said Southern Platinum believed that its Messina Platinum mine would be one of the safest in South Africa, as well as being among the most productive.

The mine is working on an innovative "continuous operation" basis, the first in the country to do so.

He also revealed that Southern Platinum was involved in discussions with banks to delay its debt repayments, telling I-Net Bridge the company was "looking to a strategic partner who has deeper pockets".

Southern Platinum operates primarily in South Africa's Bushveld Igneous Complex, as well as Zimbabwe's Great Dyke.