Rio Tinto has authorised Richards Bay Minerals’ Zulti South mission, lifting the suspension which has been in place since January 2020. The $473 million funding goals to increase the mine’s life to 2050 and guarantee RBM’s operational continuity for years to return.
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) at present operates throughout the Zulti North lease space, which features a mineral separation plant and smelting facility. Because the orebody at Zulti North declines, Zulti South is vital to RBM for sustaining a secure provide of zircon, rutile, and ilmenite and supporting TiO₂ gross sales over the lifetime of the mine.
China Harbour Engineering Firm (CHEC) has been appointed because the EPC contractor for the development of Zulti South “due their confirmed efficiency and robust monitor document together with a strategic partnership with Rio Tinto on the Simandou mission in Guinea, the place they demonstrated profitable supply of complicated EPC scopes, compliance with HSEC requirements, speedy mobilisation, integration of worldwide experience with native execution, and a agency dedication to localisation, neighborhood engagement, and provider improvement.”
Werner Duvenhage, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium Africa Operations & RBM mentioned: “Lifting the suspension on Zulti South means securing the way forward for RBM. This mission will not be about growth; it represents our dedication to sustaining jobs and persevering with to make a significant contribution to the province, the nation, and the host communities. The choice to proceed additionally displays improved safety situations and strengthened neighborhood partnerships. The help of presidency, Amakhosi and host communities has been very important in getting us the place we’re immediately and establishing this stability. We’re dedicated to working with all stakeholders to make sure the mission’s continued success.”
He added: “CHEC’s profitable monitor document at Simandou, together with their established presence on the continent together with South Africa, provides us confidence of their potential to ship Zulti South safely, effectively, and in alignment with our neighborhood and native content material commitments”.
Wu Di, Vice President, VP China Harbour Engineering Firm (CHEC) mentioned: “We’re honoured to be chosen as Rio Tinto’s strategic execution accomplice for Zulti South. Our relationship is based on belief, efficiency, and shared values. We’re dedicated to delivering a mission that strengthens RBM’s future and advantages native communities”
Building is anticipated to start in Q1 2026 and can take 30 months to be accomplished with preliminary industrial manufacturing anticipated in This autumn-2028. This primary part will help RBM’s provide of zircon and ilmenite, whereas the second part will comply with as a part of the long-term improvement technique.
