Anglo American Platinum‚ the world’s largest producer of the metal‚ reported a rebound in first quarter production compared to its strike-affected March quarter last year.

Amplats said its equivalent refined platinum production was up 50% to 536‚000oz in the three months to end-March compared to the same period a year ago when its mines around Rustenburg were shut for five months between January and June.

Its opencast Mogalakwean mine‚ which was unaffected by the strike‚ increased production by 13% year-on-year to 100‚000oz as higher grades and improved mining performances underpinned the results.

Refined platinum output rose 25% to 542‚000oz.

“The mix of metals has returned to normal compositions as all mines are now producing around normal production rates‚” Amplats said.

 While the Rustenburg mines continued the upward trend seen in the fourth quarter‚ generating 106‚000oz‚ the Amandelbult and Union mines were hit by safety stoppages during the quarter‚ producing 81‚000oz and 32‚000oz respectively.

Output from the Amplats’ joint ventures fell by 6% to 172‚000 oz because of safety stoppages at the Kroondal mine as well as a temporary halt at the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine. – Business Day