Impala Platinum, the world's second-largest platinum producer, Thursday reported a 66 percent jump in first-half earnings after a weaker rand bolstered the price it receives for its product.

Implats CEO David Brown said: “The first half of FY2012 has been characterised by a good operational performance in a difficult operating environment as a result the issuance of a high number of Section 54 safety stoppage notices.

“Despite the loss of 33,000 ounces of platinum due to these interventions, mine-to-market or managed production was virtually unchanged at 738,000 ounces of platinum.

“The major projects currently being undertaken, namely the development of the three new shafts at Rustenburg and the Phase 2 expansion at Zimplats remain on track.”

South Africa's government has ramped up efforts to reduce accidental deaths in the country’s mines, which are some of the world's deepest and most dangerous.

The safety drive across the gold and platinum industries has cut output and is a key reason behind a 17 percent spike in spot platinum so far this year.

Image: Implats