Barry Davison Dorian Emmett Brian Beamish The world’s leading
platinum producer, Amplats, has recommitted itself to a further 350
000 oz expansion programme by 2003 as it prepares for the
‘platinum century’.
This is over-and-above the 400 000 oz expansion initiative which is
already in play across the buoyant group, which has increased
production by 500 000 oz since the early 1990s and last year
produced close to two-million ounces.
MD Barry Davison says an announcement will be made before the end
of the year as to the locations and capital costs of the additional
projects.
However, he refuses to comment, at this stage, as to whether the
expansion will be greenfields or brownfields, if there will be one
or many projects, or whether the initiatives will be confined to
the Eastern Bushveld complex.
“We do want another 350 00best china stone crusher0 oz, but have not yet announced
where they will be. Some of that may or may not be in the Eastern
Bushveld.” Davison also does not discount the possibility of
expansion in addition to the 350 000 oz committed, which would take
Amplats beyond the 2,65-million-ounce-a-year level which it is
planning to reach by 2003. Explaining the rationale behind the
expansion ambitions, Davison says: “We are absolutely
satisfied that the fundamentals for this business of ours look very
good.” He says in the short to medium term, the reduction in
Russian supplies looks to be inevitable, while there is real growzenith sweden stone fixed jaw crusherth
of around 3% a year. In addition, it is anticipated that more and
more platinum will be used ahead of palladium in auto-catalysis
interface in the medium term, while jewellery is continuing to
drive short-term demand.
“We are hopeful that the fuel cell will provide a kicker in
ten years plus from now; so, short of Armageddon and world
recession and all sorts of other nasties, the long-term
fundamentals look pretty good.” He is, therefore, convinced
of further expansion beyond 2,65-million ounces.
However, he stresses that while Amplats was excited bymobile asphalt crushing plant price prospects of
the fuel-cell, it didn’t see it as a factor driving demand
for another ten years. “I don’t believe we will be
making expansion decisions within the next year or two on fuel-cell
demand.” Having said that, marketing director Dorian Emmett
reports that fuel-cell developments were looking very positive, as
were a number of other industrial applications using platinum. He
says the technology, which embraces platinum as the catalyst in
allowing the mix of hydrogen and air to form water and generate
zero-emission electricity, is gaining favour both in the automotive
environment and in the household environment.
Toyota has announced plans for the commercialisation of a fuel-cell
electric vehicle in 2003; Ford’s P2000 HFC cars will be in
production in 2004, while Honda has awarded fuel-cell specialist
Ballard Power Systems of Canada US$1,4-million to support its
fuel-cell programmes. And Daimler-Chrysler has unveiled the Necar
4, which operates using fuel-cell technology.
In the household environment Bonneville Power Administration has
embarked on a field trial installation of more than 100 combined
power and heat fuel cells in Oregon homes.
Meanwhile, director Brian Beamish reveals that the expansion
projects already in place are proceeding well.
The R1,2-billion Bafokeng Rasimone project is on track and plant
commissioning is due to start at the end of the year.
Beamish is forecasting production of 100 000 oz in 2000 and says
that it will build up to full milling rate 21 months earlier than
first forecast. Full production of 250 000 oz will be achieved in
2002.
He reports that the R202-million Amandelbult UG2 expansion, which
is expected to add 72 000 oz by the middle of next year, is also
running ahead of schedule and that plant commissioning will begin
in 2000. The Middelpunt Hill expansion (Atok), meanwhile is also
proceeding well.
Beamish says this R71-million project, which involves going into
the side of a hill with three horizontal shafts, is extremely
exciting.
He reports that it will be experimenting with a novel mining layout
that may yield higher efficiencies which could be rolled out to
other parts of the group.
Amplats is not the only one keen to take advantage of the platinum
boom.
Its closest rival, Impala, is counting on a steady 10% increase in
output; Lonmin Platinum and Northam no doubt also want to take
advantage of the favourable market conditions; and there are new
players in North America and in South Africa also keen to exploit
the good vibes.
Indeed, platinum junior Kroondal will be making its maiden results
presentation within a week or so.
So with all this excitement, and with plans for growth across the
board, it is going to be interesting viewing, no doubt.