South African mines have been given go-ahead to raise power output to 95% following the recent power crisis affecting the county's mining industry.
Mines across the country are currently operating at 90% and the new plans will be phased in over the next few weeks, according to the South African Government.
According to the country's Mines and Minerals Department the agreement has been reached to alleviate disruption and possible large retrenchments.
Following shutdowns ordered by energy utility Eskom in January, mines in the country have been operating below full power leading to a rise in metals prices and fears of job losses.
South Africa is the world's top platinum producer but prices of the metal fell today on expectations that power shortages would end in the near future, writes Reuters.
By Ozge Ibrahim
