The financial director of Impala Platinum (Implats), David Brown, has said that progress is being made in reaching an acceptable resolution in Zimbabwe in relation to the control of the country's platinum sector.

The Zimbabwean government, through the central Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), has assumed control of the sale of all platinum group metals in the country in an attempt to strengthen the state of the foreign currency market.

While this Enhanced Platinum Sector Regime (EPSR) has sent jitters through many mining investors, Mr Brown believes that a win-win situation for both the government and mining firms is possible as long as certain areas of the regime are clarified.

He told the Zimbabwean Financial Gazette in a telephone interview that the support of the RBZ had proved helpful, but stressed that the bank would not be marketing the final platinum product.

“There were some areas of concern where we are seeking clarity but we are discussing them with the Reserve Bank. We are making good progress but we need to rectify and clarify a couple of issues," he explained.

"We are committed to the principle but the lack of uncertainty is disturbing. Mining requires long-term investment plans and shareholders require certainty and while there is uncertainty, further investment becomes problematic."

He added: "The quicker there is clarity the quicker we mine platinum."

The South African-based Implats, which is the world's second largest platinum producer, owns 83 per cent of Australian Stock Exchange-listed Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats).