Implats this year celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first blast at what is now its flagship operation, Impala Platinum. From small beginnings, this operation has grown and today comprises a 14-shaft mining operation and processing plant (Mineral Processes) in Rustenburg, as well as the refining operation in Springs, east of Johannesburg. Currently, Impala produces around 56% of the group’s production.

Impala Refining Services (IRS) capitalises on Impala’s smelting and refining capacity, and processes the concentrate and matte production of other group operations as well as material purchased from other companies. This business also offers a toll-refining service to other third parties. Through IRS, Implats is one of the largest autocatalyst recyclers in the world.

Group platinum production

In FY2009, the group employed 53 261 people (including 17 261 contractors) and produced 1.704 million ounces of platinum (3.428 million ounces of PGMs). Implats is targeting production of 2.1 million ounces by FY2014 and has extensive reserves and resources both in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

At the end of FY2009, the group had a market capitalisation of R108 billion.

Implats has a primary listing on the JSE in South Africa (IMP) and a secondary listing on the LSE in the United Kingdom (IPLA). It may also be traded via a Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programme (IMPUY) in the United States of America.