Xstrata's Elandsfontein platinum concentrator will make its first delivery next week, the firm has announced.

The delivery to Anglo Platinum is on course to take place in the first week of December, following a successful start which has seen the concentrator operating "almost at design capacity", Xstrata Alloys Chief Executive Peet Nienaber said.

He told Mining Weekly: "In general, the commissioning has been very successful. We are preparing the first cake [concentrate] to deliver to Anglo Platinum."

Diversified mining giant Xstrata acquired the Elandsfontein project from platinum junior Eland Platinum earlier this month in a $1 billion deal.

The acquisition saw Xstrata enter the platinum market for the first time, with the firm subsequently announcing ambitious plans to become one of the world's largest platinum miners.

Prior to the deal, Xstrata Alloys set up a new platinum division, with Ben Moolman taking on the role of Managing Director.

Source:

Xstrata’s new Elandsfontein to deliver first concentrate next week, 27/11/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=122253

Xstrata given go-ahead for Eland Platinum takeover - 14/11/07
http://www.platinum.matthey.com/media_room/1195045211.html

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