Aquarius Platinum's Everest mine has become a symbol of what can be achieved between private companies and black economic empowerment (BEE) groups in South Africa, it has been claimed.

Zwe-lakhe Mankazana, executive director of Savannah Resources – which forms the basis of the BEE group involved in the project – has stated that the effective relationship between the BEE groups and Aquarius in the development of Everest has made the operation an ideal blueprint for other companies to learn from.

Mr Mankazana stated that, as a result of the partnership developed during the construction of the Everest mine, the group now believes it "can provide help to other BEE companies that want to become involved in empowerment transactions within the next few years".

Construction of the mine on the Bushveld complex in South Africa has been widely regarded as a success, with the timeframe for its development considerably speeded up compared to other mine projects.

Mr Mankazana believes that this project provides evidence of the successful relationship between the private sector and BEE groups.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd