25 June 2004
	SA's Top 20 Companies 2 IMPALA Total score: 66,9 Historic score: 48 FM's score: 79

For decades Anglo American effectively monopolised the platinum mining industry, though the Gold Fields group was graciously allowed a minority participation and token board appointments. Rand Mines spent a fortune vainly trying to break into the business, and when Union Corp launched Impala there were many doubters. But in a 30-year history, Impala has not only survived but become the world's second-biggest producer. A unique relationship with the Bafokeng has given it a head start with black empowerment, and a hunger for metal reserves forced it into a move many saw as foolhardy, but which seems to be paying off: a major investment in Zimbabwe.