Impala Platinum says it is currently scrutinising plans released by the Zimbabwean government for changes to the rules governing the country's platinum mining industry.

The platinum outfit welcomed the draft proposals from the government, emphasising the importance of clarity concerning the plans for boosting indigenous ownership.

Under the terms of the initial proposals, indigenous people would own 20 per cent of the industry within two years, 25 per cent within seven years and then 30 per cent after ten years.

Implats director Les Paton said Zimbabwe's review of its Mines and Minerals Act should be developed in consort with the industry, in a process that would require an ongoing dialogue.

"The Zimbabwean Ministry of Mines has indicated its intention to workshop the proposed regulations with the industry through the Zimbabwean Chamber of Mines and other stakeholders, similar to the process that was adopted in South Africa," he commented.

"As it stands the proposals are not far out of line with the South African situation, which requires a 26 per cent Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) ownership within a ten-year time frame.

"We are confident that a solution can be found in the best interests of Zimbabwe and the companies invested there and that will still attract the significant investment that is required to develop the mining industry, and in particular the pgms sector on the Great Dyke," he concluded.

Implats' comments follow a similar announcement by Aquarius Platinum, which has also welcomed the opportunity to explore draft proposals for the BEE process.