UPDATE 2-Aquarius gets Ridge approval, updates on Everest

* Ridge Mining votes in favour of Aquarius acquisition

* Provides update on Everest mine

* Shares rise 6 pct

(Adds details, analyst comment, background)

By Julie Crust

LONDON, July 14 (Reuters) - Aquarius Platinum Ltd (AQP.L) said Ridge Mining Plc (RDG.L) shareholders have voted in favour of its planned takeover and gave a update on operations at its Everest mine, pushing Aquarius shares higher on Tuesday.

"Ridge's operating mine, Blue Ridge Mine, which is currently in ramp-up mode should commence contributing to the Aquarius group's production profile immediately," said Aquarius Chief Executive Stuart Murray.

At the completion of the ramp up-phase, the Blue Ridge Mine is expected to produce about 125,000 ounces a year of 4E PGM (platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold). Half of this output will be attributable to Aquarius (AQP.AX).

Aquarius also said Phase 1 work at its Everest mine, which was suspended last December due to subsidence, started in June.

Shares in the company dropped as much as 35 percent in London this month after a spokesman for the world's No.4 platinum producer said the Everest mine could be more than a year away from resuming production given weak markets and the Ridge purchase. [ID:nL077317]

At 0839 GMT, the shares were up 6.0 percent at 190.75 pence.

"Confirmation that the Ridge deal is happening is always good," said Asa Bridle, analyst at Seymour Pierce.

EVEREST MINE

The recovery at the Everest mine will take place in two phases with two new declines constructed to access the underground working area and is expected to cost a slightly more than expected 250 million rand ($30.6 million) in total.

Aquarius has received an unspecified insurance payout which Bridle said should contribute substantially towards the rebuild cost.