First half net profit dropped by 68 percent, the world's largest platinum producer Anglo Platinum said on Monday.

The company was releasing its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2009.

According to CEO Neville Nicolau, the company's steep decline in earnings for the period was a result of "significantly lower metal prices".

Anglo Platinum — majority owned by mining giant Anglo American — said, however, that it expected the platinum price to move above current levels during the second half of the year "due to continued interest in investment and jewellery and a probable rise in vehicle output".

Nicolau added that the platinum price should find support above $1200 an ounce during the remainder of the year.

He said the company continued to target refined platinum production of 2.4 million ounces but would use inventory stocks as required to meet market demand.

"Based on Anglo Platinum's mining production forecast, process pipeline stocks and high smelter availability, it is likely that Anglo Platinum could supply up to 2.6 million ounces should market demand increase during the second half of 2009," he said.