Anpario Regulatory News (ANP)

23 Jan 2008 14:24

Anglo Platinum Limited23 January 2008 Flooding interrupts Anglo Platinum's Amandelbult mine production Anglo Platinum announces that a major storm has affected operations at itsAmandelbult mine, resulting in several underground working areas being inundatedby flood water. As a result, current production at Amandelbult is running atapproximately 25% of normal output. During a severe storm on 21 January 2008, some 210mm of rain fell between 05:00and 12:00 far exceeding the worst precipitation estimates for a 'once in 200year' event. The rain resulted in unprecedented and excessive water inflow intounderground operations primarily from the extensive, worked out, open castareas. The water inflow from the storm, in addition to inflows from several daysof normal rainfall, estimated at 150 megalitres, exceeded the installeddewatering capacity, flooding the number 1 vertical shaft bottom including thepump station. All personnel were safely removed from the mine and additional emergency watercontrol measures were put in place to minimize further water inflows from thesurface areas. Subsequent to the storm, rain has continued to fall in the Amandelbult area andthe nearby Bierspruit River has overflowed. Water inflows into the minecontinue, although at a reduced rate. An emergency dewatering programme is beingimplemented on a continuous basis to facilitate the return to normal productionlevels as soon as possible. Until water inflows stabilise it is currently notpossible to determine the length of time to complete dewatering of the shaft andrecommissioning of the flooded pump station. Current estimates, based on the water level at 14:00 on 23 January 2008,indicate that measures necessary to return to full production will take between9 and 12 weeks. Anglo Platinum's current best estimate of the reduction in refined platinumproduction in 2008 from Amandelbult is between 50 000 and 70 000 ounces. As soonas a more accurate estimate is possible a further announcement will be made. Anglo Platinum's insurers have been advised of events and Anglo Platinummanagement is currently in the process of examining all options in terms of anypotential to make up some of the projected shortfall inproduction.. Shareholders will be updated in this regard when Anglo Platinumpresents its annual results on 11 February 2008. Johannesburg, 23 January 2007 For further information contact:Trevor Raymond+2711 373 6462+27 82 654 8467 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange