Platinum mining company Impala Platinum has announced that it is preparing to conclude a black economic empowerment (BEE) deal before the end of the year.

In an interview with Mining Weekly, Impala's group corporate finance manager, Brenda Berlin, commented that the company is close to concluding its BEE arrangement with Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN).

The organisations are confident that the R12.1 billion transaction will be completed by the end of the year.

Ms Berlin said that Impala has carried out all of its obligations in preparing for the transaction, adding: "It's on their side of the fence now."

Meanwhile, Mining Weekly also spoke to Mpueleng Pooe, Royal Bafokeng Holdings' public affairs executive, who insisted that RBN is pushing forward with the deal "as hard as we can".

Earlier this week, Impala said the only outstanding issues relate to the South African government, with the move currently awaiting the enactment of laws to allow the deductibility of the RBN royalty prepayment on a life-of-mine basis. The land affairs minister is also required to sign the Notarial Royalty Payment Agreement before the deal can go through.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd