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1924
1987
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1990
1998
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2000
2004
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2006
2007
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2008
2017
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2018
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2019
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2020
Platinum is discovered in in the Bushveld Igneous Complex and the first vertical shaft is developed. A major expansion takes place in Rustenburg to raise the capacity of the mine and match refining capacity.
Implats acquires an interest in Western Platinum and Eastern Platinum (collectively known as Lonplats) as Karee is merged into these entities. Impala Refining Services is established to capitalise on Implats’ surplus smelting and refining capacity.
Strategic acquisitive typifies this period of growth, with Implats buying the mineral rights to Marula, strategic stakes in Zimplats and Mimosa and entering into a joint venture to develop Two Rivers. The Group sells its stakes in Barplats and Lonplats.
Black economic empowerment (BEE) transactions are negotiated, with Implats finalising a BEE deal with Royal Bafokeng Holdings (Pty) Ltd (RBH).
PGMs entered a sustained period of low prices. The Group shifts its strategic focus from growth to cash preservation in a “lower for longer” strategy to respond to the low price environment.
PGM prices remain depressed. Impala Rustenburg embarks on a transition into a profitable and leaner operation given the low price environment, triggering job security concerns.
Implats redefines its vision, mission and strategy to position the Group as a “value over volume” producer, successfully restructuring Impala Rustenburg and returning it to profitability without the feared large-scale retrenchments. Higher rand prices produce tailwinds. The Group investigates the mechanised, shallow, palladium-rich Waterberg project.
Implats reinstates dividend payments on its operational turnaround, aided by the sustained higher price environment. The Group buys Canadian palladium producer, North American Palladium (now Impala Canada). Covid-19 impacts all operations. The Group retains its stake in Waterberg, opting out of increasing it.