Anglo American closes platinum converter unit after leak

Anglo American said it had closed a unit at its platinum business's converter plant in South Africa after a leak was detected.

The miner said the leak was spotted on 31 May in the high-pressure cooling section of the Anglo Converter Plant phase B unit. The company brought the unit down and all employees were evacuated safely.

Anglo American Platinum is investigating the cause of the leak and making repairs and has closed the unit temporarily to protect employees and the plant. It said this action was separate from other repair work that was recently completed at the unit and there was no damage to those repairs or the furnace.

"An update from the company will be provided as soon as more information is available, expected to be early next week," Anglo American said. "In the meantime, the repair of Phase A unit is progressing well and is unaffected by the current work at ACP Phase B unit."