Implats' continued efforts to resolve the outstanding tax issue with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has led to a stand-off between the two.

That is the opinion of an official at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, who confirmed that the Zimbabwean government has now stepped into the dispute in an effort to bring both sides to come to an agreement.

The official told Platts that the government is keen to prevent the disagreement escalating any further, because the administration is relying heavily on the platinum industry and does not want to see Implats' Zimbabwean arm, Zimplats, pull out of the country altogether.

It had been claimed that Implats was considering closing its Zimbabwean operations because of the problems with Zimra, which is claiming that it is owed $16.6 million in unpaid tax, while Zimplats argues that the government has reneged on an agreement it reached with previous mines ministers Sydney Sekeremayi and Edward Chindori-Chininga.

However, Zimplats chief executive Jack Murehwa has quelled fears of a pullout from the country, stating that the furnace has not been closed down.

He also indicated his confidence that the matter would be determined amicably in the near future, stating: "I know the government will listen to both parties and find the best way of resolving the issue."


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