Name and Location
Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine (BRPM) North Shaft Merensky Phase III project, North West, South Africa.

Client
BRPM Joint Venture (JV), comprising Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat) and Anglo American Platinum (Amplats).

Project Description
The BRPM Phase III project is providing further replacement for Merensky production at the North shaft complex through the extension of the existing decline from Level 10 to Level 15 at the mine boundary. At steady state, Phase III will maintain the production level of North shaft at about 100 000 t/m.

Value
R1.409-billion.

Duration
The project started in November 2010 and is scheduled for completion in 2017.

Latest Developments
RBPlat has reported in its results for the quarter ended March 31 that the project is progressing well.

Project progress and expenditure are aligned with the revised deferment strategy and the project remains set for completion in 2017, as per the original project schedule. Project expenditure for the quarter amounted to R31.2-million bringing the total project expenditure to date to R1.02 billion.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
RBPlat reports that deferring the construction of the last two levels at BRPM will have no impact on the handover dates for those levels or the mine extraction plan, as project completion remains on schedule for 2017.

The project remains below budget.

Contact Details for Project Information
RBPlat executive for corporate affairs Mpueleng Pooe, tel +27 10 590 4515 or email mpueleng@bafokengplatinum.co.za.
Amplats corporate communications, Mpumi Sithole, tel +27 11 373 6246, fax +27 11 373 5846 or email Mpumi.sithole@angloamerican.com.