Zimbabwe's main platinum miner, Zimplats, could close down altogether, it has been claimed.

According to a report from the Zimbabwe Independent, the mining giant has threatened to close over the dispute it is currently involved in with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).

Zimplats is apparently considering the action in response to a $16.6 million withholding tax dispute, with the company claiming that the Zimbabwean government has reneged on a deal struck with previous mines ministers Sydney Sekeremayi and Edward Chindori-Chininga.

Implats, the South African holding company of Zimplats, has now taken matters into its own hands and is looking for an intervention from vice-president Joseph Msika.

Zimplats chief executive Greg Sebborn has written to Thabani Ndlovu, mines permanent secretary, and warned that if the company is forced to pay the money to Zimra, the company would have to cease operating while it paid back the money, as operating costs would be too high.

He went on to explain: "A possible re-start will be difficult in view of the cooling and freezing of the furnace which would require considerable time and cost to re-start."


Ÿ Adfero Ltd