Implats is continuing to negotiate with the Zimbabwean government over plans to increase the proposed minimum black shareholdings in the domestic mining industry.

Reports on Mining Weekly suggest that Implats is seeking to scale down Zimbabwe's plans for a steadily increasing indigenous enfranchisement as part of the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) scheme.

At present the proposed holding level for participants is 20 per cent, with the government aiming to up that holding to 25 per cent in seven years and 30 per cent in ten years.

Now Implats is said to be delaying its decision on the plans for the Ngezi mine development in conjunction with its majority-owned partner Zimplats, as it waits to see what details the government will settle on.

Plans for the Ngezi development are expected to boost platinum production to 145,000 oz per year by 2006 - up from the current level of 85,000 oz per year - and be worth more than $100 million.

Confusion over the Zimbabwean government's plans for the platinum mining industry has grown in recent weeks, with President Mugabe indicating he plans to raise the government's involvement in the industry amid other conflicting reports.