Impala Platinum (Implats), one of the world's largest platinum producers, has revealed that its offices in Zimbabwe's capital Harare have been raided by government officials.

According to Platts, the company said that government agents also had a warrant to raid the home of the chief executive, but argued that these difficulties would not stifle a deal between it and the Zimbabwean government expected to emerge over the next few weeks.

"These things are bothersome and mildly irritating, but it is not serious," said David Brown, the financial director of Implats, Platts reports.

Reaching a deal with the authorities is important for Implats after the government originally announced plans to take a majority interest in foreign-owned mines in the country without full payment.

Implats has a huge stake in Zimbabwe's largest platinum producer Zimplats, which has been engaged in negotiations to lessen government demands.

"We are working like madmen to get the finishing touches of an agreement," added Mr Brown.

"If we were dealing with another corporate body I would say it would take two weeks to conclude the deal - government can take a bit longer."

Zimplats aims to expand its production to 145,000 oz from 85,000 oz a year, but investing in production extension could be jeopardised by heavy government action.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd