UPDATE 1-Aquarius loses 2,000 oz PGMs from Everest shutdown
Thu Nov 29, 2007 2:59am EST
reuters.com
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JOHANNESBURG, Nov 29 (Reuters) - South Africa's Aquarius Platinum (AQPJ.J: Quote, Profile, Research) (AQP.L: Quote, Profile, Research) has resumed mining at its Everest mine after a fatal accident, but it lost around 2,000 ounces of platinum group metals (PGMs) during the shutdown.
"It is not expected that these ounces will be made up during the quarter," the firm said in a statement on Thursday.
The firm halted blasting operations at Everest after a fall-of-ground accident killed one miner on Saturday. It resumed operations on Monday afternoon.
Last week, Aquarius said around 4,000 ounces in output of PGMs were lost after it temporarily shut the Kroondal mine, a joint venture with Anglo Platinum (AMSJ.J: Quote, Profile, Research), following an accident.
A recent spate of deaths at South African mines has put the spotlight on safety issues, with the government routinely requiring shafts or mines to close after fatal accidents.
About 180 workers have died in accidents so far this year in the world's biggest precious metals producer, disrupting platinum and gold output. About 200 workers were killed in such accidents last year.
(Reporting by Eric Onstad; Editing by Chris Johnson) |
