The Zimbabwean government and local platinum industry figures have agreed to form a committee to look at plans for governing the domestic platinum market.

Key among the issues debated by the participants will be the finalisation of a new regulatory framework, including the financial, trading and marketing rules.

The news comes after statements made during the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's third quarter monetary policy statement indicated government plans for raising its profile in the industry - abolishing offshore accounts held by platinum producers and taking charge of marketing and trading.

Platinum industry players such as Zimplats have welcomed the news, drawing encouragement from the plans to discuss the issues.

Zimplats told Platts it was "encouraged that a consultative process is being followed and that a 'win win' situation for all stakeholders is achievable".