Impala Platinum's declaration that it might not meet its anticipated profits has had a marked impact on the firm's share price today.

Following an announcement by the platinum giant that it profits would be substantially lower for the interim period to December 2003 in comparison with the previous year, the company's share price fell.

Shares in the world's number two platinum miner fell 2.7 per cent this morning (December 3rd) from yesterday's close.

The firm's expected decline in earnings is likely to further worry analysts who have long warned of the damaging effects of the strong rand on the country's mining industry.

Thus, despite the US dollar platinum price hovering around a 23-year high, the appreciation of the rand against the US dollar to 45-month best levels and lower minor platinum group metal prices has undercut profits across the board.

A consensus of I-Net Bridge analysts estimated that Implats will report headline earnings per share of 42.17 rand, down 18 per cent from 51.30 rand in the previous period.