Impala Platinum Holdings (Implats) plans to make an offer to Zimplats' minority shareholders to acquire their Zimplats shares for a cash consideration of AUS $4.08 per share, the company said.

Implats also said it would acquire ABSA Bank's 14.82 per cent indirect interest in Zimplats issued shares 'for a consideration not exceeding the offer per share made to the Zimplats shareholders'.

Zimplats holds a 70 per cent stake in the Ngezi open cast mine and the Selous Metallurgical Complex (SMC), which comprises of Makwiro Platinum Mines Ltd, on the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe.

'Our increased stake in Zimplats and the offer to minorities is a natural part of our growth and strategic alliance strategy,' said Implats CEO Keith Rumble.

'Strategically it is a significant move for the company as it provides access to rights over 165 million ounces of platinum resources on the Great Dyke, which is the largest known near-surface undeveloped PGM resource in the world. Implats has both the technical and financial resources and the proven track record to effectively exploit this opportunity.'

The offer to Zimplats shareholders has been made in accordance with an earlier agreement between Zimplats and Implats.