The head of South Africa's second largest platinum producer has resigned.

Impala Platinum (Implats) chief executive Keith Rumble will leave the mining giant at the end of 2006 in order to pursue other interests.

The firm's chief financial officer David Brown is to take his place at the helm from the start of September and will work alongside Mr Rumble until his departure.

"Keith provided the group with strong leadership and was particularly successful in changing the culture towards safety in the group," said the company's chairman of the board Dr Fred Roux.

He added: "David has also demonstrated strong leadership and financial skills and will provide a smooth transition into a new era of leadership at Implats."

Mr Rumble had been chief executive at the company since July 2001.

During its most recent update, Implats said that its production was lower than expected.

Despite record production from its main Impala Lease Area, production was lower than expected due to a combination of grade problems, slower improvements in mining efficiencies and worker strike action.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd