Anpario Regulatory News (ANP)

25 Jan 2008 17:38

Anglo Platinum Limited25 January 2008 Anglo Platinum and the South African Department of Minerals and Energy in urgent talks to secure South African supply of platinum and associated platinum group metals Anglo Platinum and the South African Department of Minerals and Energy havecommenced urgent talks to ensure that the supply of electrical power to platinumproducers remains a top priority to prevent disruption to global platinummarkets as South Africa supplies over 75% of global platinum demand. Anglo Platinum acted on the request made by Eskom to reduce electricityconsumption to a minimum load in order to assist Eskom in recovering theintegrity of the electricity supply system by suspending mining activities atall Anglo Platinum underground operations today. Essential underground pumpingand critical process work continues. Eskom has not yet indicated how long thepresent situation will continue but Anglo Platinum remains in contact with theelectricity supply body. Buyelwa Sonjica Minister of Minerals and Energy, said "We are aware of thestrategic importance of South African platinum output and will meet with AngloPlatinum to further discuss how platinum supply disruption can be minimisedwithin the current electrical supply context." Anglo Platinum and the Department will provide further information as it becomesavailable. Johannesburg, 25 January 2007 For further information contact: Trevor Raymond Sputnik RatauAnglo Platinum Department of Minerals and Energy+27(0)11 373 6462 +27(0)82521 9614+27(0) 82 654 8467 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange