TWO new firms are set launch platinum mining operations in the country, taking to five the number of companies involved in the sector.

Deputy Mines Minister, Gift Chimanikire, the entry of the two companies, Humboi and Amari resources would significantly improve platinum production in the country.

Humboi is controlled by an unnamed Chinese firm and a consortium of local business people while Amari Resources is a joint venture between the state-run Zimbabwe Mining and Development Corporation and a company called Amaplat.

“Humboi has completed exploration that it has been carrying out for the past four years in the Chegutu area and they will be starting operations this year,” Chimanikire told NewZiana.

“Amari has also completed exploration in the Ngezi area and will start operating this year.”

The two firms join South African giants Impala Platinum and Anglo Platinum, which presently dominate platinum mining in the country.

Impala controls the Zimplats operations in the Ngezi and Selous areas and holds a 50 percent interest in the Zvishavane-based Mimosa mine.

Anglo is developing the US$300 million Unki Mine in Shurugwi.

Impala also indicated recently that it would go ahead with a US$500 million expansion of its Zimplats operations.

Zimbabwe is the third largest producer of platinum in the world after South Africa and Russia.