23rd Mar 2005 09:25
AQUARIUS PLATINUM LIMITED23 March 2005AQUARIUS PLATINUM LIMITEDFirst Production from Kroondal Pool & Share ExpansionAquarius Platinum is pleased to announce the first production from the Pool &Share (P&SA) expansion. The new concentrator with a capacity of 250,000 tonnesper month was constructed in record time and has been fully commissioned threemonths ahead of schedule and within budget.Stuart Murray, CEO of Aquarius Platinum said "I am delighted with the rapidprogress of the P&SA expansion project. With the commissioning of theconcentrator plant we have successfully completed one of the largest componentsof the project, and are firmly on track to effectively double Kroondal'sconcentrating capacity and production to 505,000 PGM ounces a year. Along withthe Everest Mine which is under construction, these two projects are key todelivering strong growth and a superior production profile for Aquarius.Breaking down the farm-fences and cooperating with our partner Anglo Platinumhas clearly demonstrated the value that can be brought to the Kroondal Mine"said Murray."Cold commissioning of the new concentrator started in January 2005 with orefrom a 600,000 tons stockpile. Further expansion of the underground mine at theCentral, East and new No 3 Shafts continues to progress. It is anticipated thatproduction from the new concentrator will increase to a steady state level byJune 2005, effectively doubling Aquarius' attributable PGM ounces out of theexpanded Kroondal.For further information, please contact:In Australia: Willi Boehm Aquarius Platinum Corporate Services Pty Ltd +61 8 9367 5211 In United Kingdom: Alex Buck Nick Bias buckbias Ltd buckbias Ltd +44 7932 740 452 + 44 7887 920 530 In South Africa: Charmane Russell Stuart Murray Russell & Associates Aquarius Platinum (South Platinum) (Pty) +27 11 880 3924 Ltd +27 11 455 2050 or visit: www.aquariusplatinum.com ENDAQUARIUS PLATINUM LIMITEDRelated Shares:
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