Analysts are tipping Impala Platinum (Implats) to deliver a markedly lower set of results than in previous years next week as a result of continuing problems in the industry with the strength of the rand.

The dollar price of platinum climbed 12 per cent during the first six months of the year, but the conversion into rand equated to a three per cent fall in the metal's value.

A consensus estimate of Implats results by Reuters Research anticipates the platinum giant seeing its headline earnings fall by 26 per cent.

The news indicates the growing concern at the effect the rand is having on the platinum industry, particularly after Anglo American Platinum (Angloplat) posted a 57 per cent fall in first half earnings last month.

In February, the firm cautioned that full year results would be 'significantly down' due to the strong rand.

However, there was some respite for the platinum industry today (August 20th) as the price of the precious metal reached its highest level in more than five months.