desktop research jv partners

I have been doing some basic desktop research on Platinum Australia over the past week and uncovered that the Rooderand Project Legal Proceedings that were announced on Nov 9, 2011 were taken out by Anglo Platinum (Rustenburg Platinum Mines is a subsidiary of AMPLATS).

So I started wondering that perhaps this action has been used to frustrate the JV and put additional pressure on PLA’s Share Price?

Anglo American Platinum Limited claims to be the world's leading primary producer of platinum group metals (PGMs) and accounts for about 40% of the world's newly mined platinum.

I’ve also noted that there is a bit over overlap between PLA’s JV partners AMPLATS and PLA. I also note from the location map that a lot of AMPLATS realestate is also close to or borders PLA’s. Perhaps there are synergies available here?

PLA also has a JV with Atla Mining which I was unaware ‘Kalplats II’ and there is another project ‘Syferkuil’, which they are discussing with various parties (no doubt includes PLA).

Here are the details I’ve managed to pull off the following company’s web sites;

--
AMPLATS

http://www.angloplatinum.com/
http://www.angloplatinum.com/pdf/2011/anglo_platinum_location_map_2011.pdf

Relevant Announcement: Platinum Australia Limited (ASX:PLA) has been advised by Atla Mining Resources (Pty) Ltd (“Atla”) that Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd (“RPM”) has issued an application in which it seeks, in particular, to interdict the Minister of Mineral Resources and other state functionaries from accepting and/or granting further applications for prospecting rights

Rustenburg Platinum Mines is a subsidiary of Anglo Platinum

--
JV’s with Atla Mining

http://www.atlamining.co.za/

Bofule Platinum Mine (Rooderand Project)
We are currently busy through a joint venture with Platinum Australia [PLA] to prospect and conduct a definitive bankable feasibility on the farms Rooderand portions 1 and 2 and the project will be known as the BOFULE Platinum Mine which resides next to Sun City and at the portal to the Pilanesburg National Park. To date the exploration is now complete.

ATLA has a 37.5% stake in the project which is being funded by Platinum Australia and hence they have earned a 62.5% interest. The proven resource on this project is approximately 4.2 million ounces of UG2 and Merensky.

It is anticipated that the first once of platinum will be produced in 2012 from this project which has a project value of R1 billion.

Kalplats II
ATLA has a 51% interest in the KALPLATS II development with PLA holding 49%. The prospecting license application for 62 farms that will form the KALPALTS project is in the process of being submitted to DME. Once the prospecting license has been issued a definitive bankable feasibility study will commence.

Syferkuil
ATLA has been issued the Prospecting License for this farm. This farm is potentially a large scale deep pit project and are currently in discussion with various parties to enter into a JV partnership with ATLA to prospect and develop this project.

--
JV’s with African Rainbow Minerals

http://www.arm.co.za/b/platinum.php
http://www.arm.co.za/b/platinum_kalplats.php

Kalplats – PGM Exploration
90% JV with African Rainbow Minerals (ARM Platinum)

Platinum Australia earned in 12% ownership on completion and approval of the prefeasibility study. The transfer of this ownership is awaiting approval from the Department of Mineral Resources (as at Nov 2011) Platinum Australia will earn up to 49% on completion of a bankable feasibility study (due June 2012). In the event that the JV acquires Anglo American’s 10% Platinum Australia has the right to acquire 49% of the acquired 10%.

ARM Platinum’s other projects:
Modikwa JV with Anglo Platinum Limited

--
What do others think?

If anyone has any other bits of research to add to the picture, then please post it here.

Thanks

Gus