JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Equivalent refined platinum production from JSE-listed Anglo American Platinum’s (Amplats’) operations fell by 41% year-on-year to 230 000 oz during the three months ended December, as unprotected strike action devastated its Rustenburg, Union and Amandelbult mining operations.
The illegal industrial action started at the company’s Rustenburg mines on September 18, following the initial safety suspension at the operations on September 12.
However, during the first week of October, the protests spread to the Union and Amandelbult operations, before ending on November 15.
Mining operations resumed and have gradually ramped up since November 16.
Amplats confirmed that, as a result of the illegal industrial action and the subsequent ramp-up period, which commenced in November, total lost equivalent refined platinum production, including from joint ventures (JV) and associates, amounted to 273 000 oz during the fourth quarter of 2012, of which 82 000 oz were lost during the ramp-up period.
Refined platinum production, at 704 000 oz for the fourth quarter, decreased by 1% year-on-year and increased by 8% quarter-on-quarter, as pipeline stocks continued to be processed during the period of illegal industrial action.
Platinum production at Amplats’ Mogalakwena mine, in Limpopo, decreased by 8% year-on-year to 71 000 oz, owing to lower throughput at the concentrators and a lower head grade. At the Unki mine, in Zimbabwe, output in the fourth quarter declined by 14% year-on-year to 14 000 oz, weighed down by lower grades.
Equivalent refined platinum production from JVs and associates, including mined and purchased production, was down 2% year-on-year at 173 000 oz during the fourth quarter.
Marikana mine, which was placed on care and maintenance in June, accounted for 17 000 oz of the year-on-year decline in production. Additionally, illegal industrial action at the Bokoni mine, which is jointly owned with Anooraq Resources Corporation and Rustenburg Platinum Mines, resulted in a further 14 000 oz year-on-year decline.
However, this decline in output was partially offset by higher production volumes from the Modikwa, Bafokeng-Rasimone Platinum Mine, Kroondal and Mototolo operations.
Meanwhile, equivalent refined platinum ounces purchased from third parties decreased by 14% year-on-year to 12 000 oz in the fourth quarter.
Refined production of rhodium and nickel decreased by 6% and 24% respectively, while palladium increased by 5%.