Impala Platinum is in negotiations with Eskom to see if the state utility provider can supply energy for its Leeuwkop project.

Electricity for the construction phase of the project had been granted and the firm is now in the process of resolving long-term electricity supply that would allow building to begin.

Mines are operating at an average of 95 per cent of their usual supply and Eskom is unlikely to be able to guarantee power until 2012 when extra generating capacity comes online.

Impala platinum has already said that electricity shortages would affect its developing projects and the Leeuwkop project is likely to go to the board for approval in September, Reuters reports.

Meanwhile, the firm also revealed that it has been granted new order mining rights at the Leeuwkop project.

The firm has a 74 per cent stake in the project with the remainder being held by Bakwena Ba-Magopa traditional community.

Les Paton, Executive Director of Impala Platinum, welcomed the new order mining rights saying the project was a "key component" of the firm's long-term plans.

Source:

Implats in talks to secure electricity at Leeuwkop, 21/04/08
http://www.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUSL217723220080421

Implats gets new order mining right, 21/04/08
http://www.thetimes.co.za/Business/BusinessTimes/Article.aspx?id=752983