Mogalakwena Platinum Mine

 quarry, copper mine, mining, platinum mine/processing, nickel mine/processing, gold mine, silver mine, cobalt mine/processing

This mine was formerly known as Potgietersrust Platinum Mine.

SAFETY
Mogalakwena Mine had no fatalities in 2009, bringing the fatality-free shifts to just over 400,000. The mine excluding concentrators also improved its LTIFR, from 0.28 in 2008 to 0.06 in 2009, which shows significant progress towards the objective of zero harm.

PRODUCTION
Output of equivalent refined platinum ounces increased by 26% or 49,175 ounces to 237,279 ounces in 2009, compared with 188,104 ounces in 2008. The increase in production is attributable to an increase of 35% in milling volumes to 9.7 million tonnes, at a 3% lower 4E built-up head grade of 2.71 g/t. Immediately available Ore Reserves were 19% higher than in 2008, at 7.6 months.

COSTS
Cash on-mine costs decreased by 8% or R170 million to R1,905 million in 2009 compared with 2008. During the first quarter of 2009 the operation adopted a mining curtailment strategy in order to preserve cash in the short term. This resulted in a 63% reduction in tonnes moved, with stockpiles being utilised to meet the milling requirements. Cash on-mine costs per tonne milled decreased by 32% to R196 and cash operating costs per equivalent refined platinum ounce decreased by 18% to R11,710.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Total capital expenditure for the year was R1.2 billion, which is 60% lower than the expenditure of R3.0 billion in 2008. Stay-in-business capital expenditure on deferred waste stripping amounted to R240 million.

PROJECTS
Mogalakwena North project

In 2006 the Board approved the Mogalakwena North expansion project, which has increased milling capacity by 600,000 tonnes per month. This project was commissioned and handed over to the mine in March 2008.

2009 saw the completion of surface-supporting infrastructure and also of plant-optimisation work. The mainstream inert grinding (MIG) and ultrafine grinding (UFG) plants were installed and successfully commissioned. The new tailings dam on the farm Blinkwater is under construction and will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The relocation of the Ga-Puka and Ga-Sekhaolelo villages, commonly referred to as the Motlhotlo Village, is 94% complete. However, challenges remain in relocating the remaining 64 out of a total of 956 families. A government task-team is in place, assisting Anglo Platinum to unlock this situation.

OUTLOOK
Mogalakwena Mine is expected to increase its equivalent refined platinum production in 2010 as a result of an expected increase in mining rate.

Reference for information:
www.angloplatinum.com/business/operations/mogalakwena_s...
www.investar.co.za/angloplatinumsdr2010/material-issues...