Impala Platinum's Zimbabwe unit Zimplats has reported a drop in first quarter production after a maintenance shutdown at its furnace.

Output of 4E platinum group metals in concentrate fell 13 per cent in the July to September quarter to 90,822 from 103,874 oz in the preceding quarter. This was still two per cent higher than the same period in 2010.

4E pgm sales also slipped from the last quarter, falling 12 per cent from 103,757 oz to 90,878 oz.

"The furnace was down for five days for scheduled maintenance. 4E metal production was thus 13 percent below previous quarter in line with the lower mill and furnace throughput," Zimplats said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the firm says it is on track to meet demands from the Zimbabwe government to transfer ownership to local investors.

"Work on a revised Indigenisation Implementation Plan is in progress. As previously advised, the revised plan is schedule to be submitted to the relevant authorities in November 2011," Zimplats said.

 Source:

Zimplats Q1 output down, eyes local ownership plan (31/10/11)

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