Rio Tinto has approved the restart of the $473 million Zulti South project operated by Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa, the company announced on Monday, according to Reuters.
The project had been suspended six years ago due to community unrest.
Richards Bay Minerals, which is 74% owned by Rio Tinto, extracts mineral-rich sands in KwaZulu-Natal.
Its operations focus mainly on producing zircon, rutile, ilmenite and titanium oxide, minerals widely used in products such as paint, sunscreen and smartphones.
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In a statement, the company said the Zulti South project is central to its strategy to extend the life of its mining operations to 2050, especially as the ore body at Zulti North continues to decline.
“The decision to proceed also reflects improved security conditions and strengthened community partnerships,” said Richards Bay Minerals managing director Werner Duvenhage.
China Harbour Engineering Company has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the project.
Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with initial commercial production scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028.
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Image Credit: Reuters
