Aquarius Platinum recorded an increase in production in the final quarter of its financial year.

The world's fourth-biggest producer of platinum saw attributable production rise to 110,474 oz pgm 4E (platinum, rhodium, palladium and gold) in the three months to the end of June, which was up by seven per cent on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

Meanwhile, pgm production at the company's seven mines improved to 212,447 oz in the quarter.

This was 2.8 per cent higher than the level seen in the preceding three months.

According to Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of Aquarius Platinum, the production results underpin a good 12 weeks for the company.

"The final quarter of the 2010 financial year has been positive overall, with production volumes better than those achieved in the previous quarter and improved average pgm prices," he commented.

He added that the Kroondal and Mimosa mines had posted particularly encouraging results, with production also having restarted at Everest.

However, output at the Marikana mine was down by nine per cent on the previous quarter following an accident, while safety procedures will be reviewed at the Blue Ridge mine in the wake of two fatalities.

Mr Murray additionally announced an "extensive review" into the Blue Ridge mine's long-term mine plan.

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DJ Aquarius Platinum 4Q Attributable Production Up 7% On Quarter (29/07/10)

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