GOLD producer Western Areas was given long-term foreign and local currency ratings by Duff & Phelps Credit Rating on Thursday. The foreign currency rating is BBB-, and for local currency BBB. Western Areas said on Thursday night that the foreign currency rating is the highest attainable by a South African company given the sovereign-risk ceiling imposed by the country’s own rating. It is also the first official foreign currency rating of a South African mining company, Western Areas said.