Impala Platinum chief executive David Brown has revealed further details of an undertaking involving Zimbabwe Platinum Mines.

Following talks with Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe, Mr Brown announced that commissioning of the expansion project is due to take place in August 2009.

The plan involves the investment of US$340 million in building accommodation for miners and a new concentrator.

It is hoped that 180,000 oz of platinum will be produced every year from 2010, by which time the facility will be operating at maximum capacity.

Mr Brown also chose to underline how the decision to invest more money into Zimbabwe Platinum Mines is indicative of the confidence majority shareholder Impala Platinum has in the venture.

"We have had support from government and we are definitely not planning to wind up business in Zimbabwe," Mr Brown told the Herald.

While many foreign companies have pulled out of Zimbabwe following years of political and economic instability, Impala Platinum has retained its presence.

The pgm producer also shares ownership in the country's Mimosa Mine with Aquarius Platinum.

Source:

Platinum giant pumps US$340 million into Zimbabwe operation (08/04/09)
http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=show_article_eng&id_article=94970

President meets Implats boss (08/04/09)
http://www.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=2828&cat=1