MELBOURNE, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Debt-laden OZ Minerals Ltd is still in "very positive" talks with its lenders, the miner said on Wednesday, after its shares dived on concerns that it might have trouble extending a refinancing deadline this week.
"We're in very good, productive talks with the banks, with a view to getting the extension we need by Friday," Oz Minerals' executive general manager, Bruce Loveday, told Reuters.
"The discussions are very positive," he said.
Oz Minerals shares earlier tumbled 20 percent amid concerns that its bankers might demand repayment of a loan this week despite an agreed takeover bid.
The world's second-largest zinc miner, due to repay at least A$140 million ($90.67 million) by Friday, agreed this month to a $1.7 billion takeover from Chinese state-owned metals trader Minmetals, but the deal still needs Australian approvals.
(Reporting by Sonali Paul, Editing by Mark Bendeich)
