Impala Platinum has announced that Marula Platinum's old order mining rights were converted to new order mining rights on March 3rd 2008.

Marula Platinum has also further enhanced its BEE credentials following additional agreement with its empowerment partners which will increase their stakes in the firm.

Tubatse Platinum, the Marula Community Trust and Mmakau Mining have all increased their ownership share to nine per cent bringing their combined share holding to 27 per cent.

"The conversion of Marula's mining rights is welcomed and we acknowledge the inputs from the DME in this regard. We look forward to a continued positive and constructive relationship with them as we ramp up this operation to full production," said David Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Impala Platinum.

The Marula Community Trust's equity stake will ensure sustainable benefits flow to the local community over the life of the mine, something welcomed by Howard Maimela, a trustee of the Community Trust.

"Our shareholding in Marula will empower the local community to identify and implement various initiatives in the areas of social and economic development within the region," he explained.

Source:

Marula Platinum: conversion to new order rights and enhancement of BEE credentials, 03/04/08