NORTHAM PLATINUM LIMITED - SUSPENSION OF PRODUCTION AT
THE MINE AND CAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENT
NORTHAM PLATINUM LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1977/003282/06)
Share code: NHM
ISIN code: ZAE000030912
(`Northam` or `the company`)
SUSPENSION OF PRODUCTION AT THE MINE AND CAUTIONARY
ANNOUNCEMENT
Northam advises that production remains suspended at its
platinum mine in the Limpopo Province, after the tragic
death of nine employees at the mine on Monday 20
September 2004 as a result of a fire some 2,100 metres
underground.
The fire was detected at a conveyor belt used for
transporting both ore and waste materials between 13 and
14 levels. The people affected by the fire were working
in a development end on 14 level. The cause of the fire
is currently the subject of an inquiry.
Production at the mine will be restarted when all the
parties involved in the preliminary investigations are
satisfied that operations may resume safely.
Since the duration of the disruption to production cannot
be accurately determined at this time, it is not yet
possible to estimate the total production loss. However,
losses of an average 7 500 mill tonnes per day may be
anticipated, equivalent to 1 050 oz (3PGE + Au).
Once underground production resumes, management will be
in a better position to indicate where and how, if
possible, it may be able to make up for lost production.
Further details on the situation at Northam will be
issued once they become available. Shareholders are
accordingly advised to exercise caution when dealing in
the company`s shares on the JSE Securities Exchange South
Africa.
Johannesburg
22 September 2004
Sponsor:
Barnard Jacobs Mellet Corporate Finance
(Pty) Limited
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