> South Africa's Mining Minister Opens TSX

Chamber member PTM (Platinum Group Metals Ltd.) hosted the South African Minister of Minerals and Energy at various functions on her recent vist to both Vancouver and Toronto.

Appointed on May 22, 2006, Ms. Sonjica was most recently the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, another key resources ministry. She was first elected to Parliament in 1994 and since then has served in a number of key roles in the government.

South Africa is the world's biggest producer of gold, platinum, manganese and chromium and ranks in the top nine of producers of aluminum, coal, iron-ore and diamonds. It exports 60 minerals to over 100 countries. While holding the world's largest reserves of gold, platinum group metals and manganese ore, the country also has considerable potential for the discovery of other world-class deposits.

Leading the African continent in terms of modernizing mineral rights and tenure, the South African model of black economic empowerment has revolutionized participation in the minerals sector, both by historically disadvantaged South Africans as well as a growing exploration industry.

Minister Sonjica is traveling through Asia, North America and Europe to hear from key financial institutions and others interested in South African mineral exploration and development.