| Wed 23 Jan 2008, 16:06 | | AMS - Anglo Platinum - Flooding interrupts Anglo Platinum`s |
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AMS - Anglo Platinum - Flooding interrupts Anglo Platinum`s
Amandelbult mine production
Anglo Platinum Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration No.: 1946/022452/06
JSE Ordinary Share Code: AMS
ISIN: ZAE000013181
JSE Preference Share Code: AMSP
ISIN: ZAE000054474
("Anglo Platinum")
Flooding interrupts Anglo Platinum`s Amandelbult mine production
Anglo Platinum announces that a major storm has affected operations at its
Amandelbult mine, resulting in several underground working areas being inundated
by flood water. As a result, current production at Amandelbult is running at
approximately 25% of normal output.
During a severe storm on 21 January 2008, some 210mm of rain fell between 05:00
and 12:00 far exceeding the worst precipitation estimates for a `once in 200
year` event. The rain resulted in unprecedented and excessive water inflow into
underground operations primarily from the extensive, worked out, open cast
areas. The water inflow from the storm, in addition to inflows from several days
of normal rainfall, estimated at 150 megalitres, exceeded the installed
dewatering capacity, flooding the number 1 vertical shaft bottom including the
pump station.
All personnel were safely removed from the mine and additional emergency water
control measures were put in place to minimize further water inflows from the
surface areas.
Subsequent to the storm, rain has continued to fall in the Amandelbult area and
the nearby Bierspruit River has overflowed. Water inflows into the mine
continue, although at a reduced rate. An emergency dewatering programme is being
implemented on a continuous basis to facilitate the return to normal production
levels as soon as possible. Until water inflows stabilise it is currently not
possible to determine the length of time to complete dewatering of the shaft and
recommissioning of the flooded pump station.
Current estimates, based on the water level at 14:00 on 23 January 2008,
indicate that measures necessary to return to full production will take between
9 and 12 weeks.
Anglo Platinum`s current best estimate of the reduction in refined platinum
production in 2008 from Amandelbult is between 50 000 and 70 000 ounces. As soon
as a more accurate estimate is possible a further announcement will be made.
Anglo Platinum`s insurers have been advised of events and Anglo Platinum
management is currently in the process of examining all options in terms of any
potential to make up some of the projected shortfall in production.
Shareholders will be updated in this regard when Anglo Platinum presents its
annual results on 11 February 2008.
Johannesburg, 23 January 2007
For further information contact:
Trevor Raymond
+2711 373 6462
+27 82 654 8467
Sponsor
Merrill Lynch South Africa (Pty) Limited
Date: 23/01/2008 16:06:02 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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