Impala Platinum (Implats), owner of Zimbabwean platinum miner Zimplats, has refuted suggestions that it is preparing to close its Zimbabwean operations.

Last week the Zimbabwe Independent claimed that the platinum miner was so frustrated with a tax dispute between the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and itself that it was preparing to pull out of the country altogether.

However, a spokesman for the platinum giant insisted that the company is not considering closing down its Zimbabwean operations, and that view was reinforced by Implats executive director, Les Paton.

Speaking to Reuters, Mr Paton stated: "We did not threaten to close the operation."

Instead, Mr Paton revealed that Implats is looking to resolve the issue, adding that the matter has been referred to the attorney general.

"There has been some private correspondence between Zimplats and Zimra and we remain in touch with the authorities," he commented.

Mr Paton also maintained that there was no bad feeling between the company and Zimra, pointing out that the tax body has suspended its actions until the outcome of the attorney general's findings are known.


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