South Africa's second largest platinum company has reached an amicable settlement with six Limpopo Province communities over land compensation.

Last Thursday (26th June), a meeting was held between Impala Platimum's (Implats) CEO Keith Rumble and Dr Mathew Phosea, legal counsel for the Legabeng, Ditijaneng, Madikane, Mayabaneng, Mashibiring and Suewe commuities.

The six groups alleged that the Marula Platinum Mine took over agricultural land for mining purposes without the awarding of proper compensation.

Mr Phosa declined to comment on the nature of the settlement, but Implats (the majority stakeholder in the mine, having made 80 per cent of the investment) said compensation had been paid in accordance with protocols set out by the Department of Land Affairs.

Ten per cent of the vale of the mine is to be held directly by local communities, with the remaining ten per cent going to Mmakau Mining, a black empowerment firm.