A ZAR4.5 billion, multi-stakeholder project in Richards Bay, South Africa, to add value to locally mined minerals is gathering pace.

Following successful completion of phase one of the project, including feasibility studies, an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract as well as an operations and maintenance (OM) contract have been signed for an 80 000 t/y titanium dioxide (Ti0₂) plant in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone. Ti0₂ is manufactured using rutile and ilmenite, which are found in mineral sands mined in KwaZulu-Natal.

A white pigment, TiO₂ is used in products ranging from paints and industrial coatings to food, medicine and toothpaste.

According to Engineering News, local company Nyanza Light Metals has contracted with East China Engineering Science and Technology for the EPC and OM work on the plant.

‘The ZAR4.5-billion investment represents an opportunity that South Africa and Africans can change the resource curse that Africa has been known for, which is being the net exporter of raw materials from gold, diamond, platinum, iron-ore and many more minerals, including titanium,’ Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina said at the signing.

More than 2 000 jobs will be created during construction and 850 permanent jobs once the plant begins to operate.

27 Jun 2023
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