[miningmx.com] — EASTERN Platinum (Eastplats) on Thursday reported that production at its Crocodile River Mine (CRM) reached a record 37,798 ounces in the September quarter.
The mine produced 30,820 ounces in the June quarter and 30,531 ounces in the March quarter.
Eastplats said production reached a record as a result of a significant increase in run-of-mine tonnes hoisted and processed, which were up 22% and 23% respectively compared to th second quarter, and an increase in concentrator recovery to 81%.
The company said the focus for the third quarter was mainly on quality of mining while replacing previously terminated contractor crews.
A revised sweeping standard, together with the higher stoping units and on-reef development, contributed positively to the 22% increase of run-of-mine tonnes hoisted.
Off-reef development also increased by 3%.
Chrome sold also increased to a quarterly record of 100,023 tonnes in the third quarter of 2010, up 30% over the second quarter when 76,677 tonnes was sold.
“CRM’s record quarter was a result of our operations becoming more streamlined, as evidenced by increased tonnages and improved concentrator recoveries,” said Eastplats president and CEO Ian Rozier.
“We look forward to further production increases, as well as production from Crocette, which we expect will come on stream and contribute ounces within the next 12 months.”
Eastplats dusted off the Crocette project in January this year after it was put on care and maintenance in November 2008 in response to adverse market conditions.
Crocette is one of the few remaining undeveloped near-surface PGM projects on the western limb of the Bushveld Complex that has immediate access to a processing facility.
