Platinum mining
South Africa is the world's leading platinum producer and the second largest palladium producer after Russia. Platinum mining is a capital and labour intensive industry. On average, it takes six months and 7 to 12 tonnes of ore to produce just one troy ounce (31.135 grammes) of platinum. Iridium, rhodium, ruthenium and osmium are produced only as co-products of platinum and palladium and are not mined separately. Platinum and palladium are found in larger quantities.
Platinum mining in the news
Platinum mining licence fees set to soar
THE government is set increase registration fees for platinum mines to $2.5 million from the current $300 to discourage the holding of claims for speculative purposes, state media reported on Wednesday.
Fuel cells to play greater role in South Africa platinum industry 3rd February 2012
Fuel cells are to play an ever-greater role in South Africa's platinum mining industry as firms look to alternative forms of energy.
Impala Platinum: Majority Rustenburg Workforce Failed To Report For Duty
Platinum mining company Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (IPLA.LN) Monday said the majority of the mining workforce at the Impala Rustenburg operation have failed to report for duty on Jan. 30.
Impala Platinum Fires 17,200 Workers Following Strikes
South African mining company Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (JNB:IMP) fired 17,200 workers earlier this week following an illegal strike at its Rustenburg mine.
Morning Platinum Market Report
The platinum market has consolidated just under yesterday's highs as news that work stoppages for some major African platinum mining operations have continued to impact output levels is providing a measure of support to prices this week.
SA platinum miners ready to cut back on electricity if required 11th January 2012
The biggest electricity users in South Africa, which includes the country's platinum mining sector, could reduce their power usage in order to avoid blackouts and power cuts.
S.Africa's Impala Platinum fires 13,000 over illegal strike
Impala Platinum, the world's number two producer, on Thursday fired 13,000 miners who went on an illegal strike in South Africa, the company said in a statement.
Platinum output pushes up South African mining performance 18th January 2012
A sharp rise in platinum group metal (pgm) production helped to lift South Africa's mining industry during November. Analysis of officials figures by Nedbank shows pgm output rose 23.4 per cent from October, when production had slipped by nearly a fifth from September.
Platinum producer Lonmin invests in Wallbridge Mining 18th January 2012
The world's third-largest primary platinum producer, Lonmin Plc, has announced a $2.5 million private placement with Wallbridge Mining. "This recent investment shows Lonmin's continued confidence and support for our exploration work in Sudbury.
South Africa 'to impel platinum beneficiation' 3rd February 2012
More platinum group metals (pgms) mined in South Africa will stay in the country in future, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has said. Domestic pgm sales will rise as the government begins to impel firms into beneficiation, reports Mining Weekly.
