Aquarius - First Production from Kroondal Pool & S
Aquarius - First Production from Kroondal Pool & Share Expansion
Aquarius Platinum Limited
(Incorporated in Bermuda)
Registration number: EC26290
Share code on JSE: AQP ISIN: BMG0440M1029
Share code on ASX: AQP.AX ISIN: BMG0440M1029
Share code on LSE: AQP.L ISIN: BMG0440M1029
Share code on US Over the counter market: AQPTY ISIN: US03840M2089
(`Aquarius`)
23 March 2005
AQUARIUS PLATINUM LIMITED
First Production from Kroondal Pool & Share Expansion
Aquarius Platinum is pleased to announce the first production from the Pool &
Share (P&SA) expansion. The new concentrator with a capacity of 250,000 tonnes
per month was constructed in record time and has been fully commissioned three
months ahead of schedule and within budget.
Stuart Murray, CEO of Aquarius Platinum said `I am delighted with the rapid
progress of the P&SA expansion project. With the commissioning of the
concentrator plant we have successfully completed one of the largest components
of the project, and are firmly on track to effectively double Kroondal`s
concentrating capacity and production to 505,000 PGM ounces a year. Along with
the Everest Mine which is under construction, these two projects are key to
delivering strong growth and a superior production profile for Aquarius.
Breaking down the farm-fences and cooperating with our partner Anglo Platinum
has 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 ore from
a 600,000 tons stockpile. Further expansion of the underground mine at the
Central, East and new No 3 Shafts continues to progress. It is anticipated that
production from the new concentrator will increase to a steady state level by
June 2005, effectively doubling Aquarius` attributable PGM ounces out of the
expanded Kroondal.
For further information, please contact:
In Australia:
Willi Boehm
Aquarius Platinum Corporate Services Pty Ltd
+61 8 9367 5211
In United Kingdom:
Nick Bias
buckbias Ltd
+ 44 7887 920 530
Alex Buck
buckbias Ltd
+44 7932 740 452
In South Africa:
Stuart Murray
Aquarius Platinum (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd
+27 11 455 2050
or visit: www.aquariusplatinum.com
Charmane Russell
Russell & Associates
+27 11 880 3924
Profile Group (Pty) Ltd. has taken care in preparing all information on this website, but does not accept any liability for errors or out-of-date information.
