Lonmin has shut down its number one furnace at Marikana in North West following a production incident on Sunday, the company said on Monday.
Lonmin is the world’s third-largest platinum producer.
”Our initial estimate is that a full repair of the vessel is likely to take about 30 days.
”In order to mitigate the impact on production of this shutdown and repair, our three Pyromet furnaces have already been started up and are expected to tap matte in seven days,” Lonmin said in a statement.
The company added that a full inspection of the number one furnace would be conducted, once temperature conditions allowed, ”during which time we will investigate the potential cause of this incident”.
Once this inspection had been completed and a repair programme confirmed, a further announcement would be made.
Guidance regarding the impact of this incident on production and sales for the 2009 financial year would also be given at that time, Lonmin said. — Sapa