Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat) recorded improvements across key performance indicators in the quarter ended September 30.
The company achieved an 18.4% increase in tonnes delivered to concentrators to 939 000 t, while tonnes milled increased by 18.9% to 981 000 t, supported by higher delivered volumes.
The company also reported a 14.7% increase in four-element (4E) metals in concentrate, and a 15.4% increase in platinum metal in concentrate output.
Cash operating costs increase by 5.1% quarter-on-quarter, amounting to R761-million.
Capital expenditure saw a 54.3% increase, coming in at R332.8-million.
Owing to the to date operational performance, the company has lowered the upper end of its previously guided range for the full year to between 3.35-million tonnes and 3.45-million tonnes at a 4E built-up head grade of between 3.95 g/t and 4 g/t, yielding 4E production of between 370 000 oz and 380 000 oz.
While the company highlighted a 17.9% improvement in its lost-time injury frequency rate, two fatal accidents occurred during the quarter.
Meanwhile, at the Styldrift I project, 356 000 t of ore was delivered to the concentrators.
RBPlat continued to progress mining and construction activities at the project, with 1.8 km or ore reserve development completed. Ventilation shaft No 3 was commissioned, as were two on-reef strike belt sections and two additional trackless workshops.
Rehabilitation of Silo 4 was completed, with full commissioning expected this month.