Impala Platinum (Implats) has sold a 7.5 per cent stake in its Marula platinum mine in a black economic empowerment (BEE) deal.

The agreement with Mmakau Mining takes black economic ownership in the Marula mine to 22.5%.

Implats completed a similar deal last month when it sold 15 per cent of Marula to other black investors in order to meet BEE regulations for the mine.

The government's Mining Charter requires firms to have 15 per cent black ownership by 2009 and 26 per cent by 2014.

"Mmakau Mining has been involved at Marula since inception, and the conclusion of this agreement will complement the expertise and experience of our other BEE partners," said Les Paton, Implats executive director.

Bridgette Radebe, from Mmakau Mining, added: "Implats is to be applauded for making this bold move in including community and empowerment representation in this important operation.

"It not only advances economic independence in marginalised indigenous communities, but also makes them an asset of the organisation itself."

Marula produced 29,800oz of platinum in concentrate in the 2005 financial year with full production of 140,000oz scheduled for 2009.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd