Implats is on course to produce the targeted annual 1.2 million ounces of platinum, according to the firm's chief executive.

Keith Rumble said that production at the firm would meet expectations and was bullish about the prospects for growth.

Speaking at the BMO Nesbitt Burns 2006 Global Resources Conference in the US, Platts reports Mr Rumble's positive portrayal of the platinum firm's progress.

With Implats ramping up work at Zimbabwe and also nascent projects in Madagascar coming on-stream, Mr Rumble said there was room for growth, adding that the Two Rivers project with African Rainbow Minerals would be contributing 120,000oz per year by the end of 2007.

Implats majority-owned Zimbabwe Platinum Mines, is set for "incremental growth", with Mr Rumble confident of reaching one million ounces per year "within 14 to 20 years".

Earlier this month Mr Rumble said expansion proposals would be reviewed in May, along with a feasibility report, with the percentage of the stakes from foreign mining companies sold to local black investors among the remaining issues up for debate.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd