Impala Platinum’s (Implats) R21,2-billion bid for Mvelaphanda Resources and Northam Platinum has moved a step closer to formalisation.
This follows confirmation by Mvela Resources and Northam on Monday that the Department of Minerals and Energy had reviewed the transaction and provided assurance that Anglo Platinum would not lose the black economic empowerment (BEE) credits it had already earned through its BEE deals with Mvela and Northam.
With all the necessary approvals required from the department in hand, Implats can now proceed with the completion of its due diligence on Northam and Mvela Resources.
Implats will then decide whether to proceed with a firm offer for the two companies.
The cash and shares deal was revealed earlier this month when Implats announced its firm intention to make an offer for all of Mvela Resources’ and Northam’s issued share capital.
If completed, the transaction will create the South African-controlled platinum champion Implats envisions.
It will also give Implats access to Booysendal, an asset with more than 100-million shallow ounces of platinum group metals. — I-Net Bridge