Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) has highlighted the province's economic potential as a critical emerging centre for mining, logistics and renewable energy investments, in Melrose Arch on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Andile Buthelezi, Project Manager for Investment Promotion at TIKZN, said the province boasted significant untapped resources.
“KZN is not known for mining, but the northern parts of the province have some of the best coal in South Africa. The only problem with that coal is that it has high sulphur. But it is mined in KZN, taken to Mpumalanga, blended and exported to foreign markets. There are still opportunities in that sector.”
He added that not many people knew that in the south of KZN, in Port Shepstone, lithium was being mined and beneficiated at Dube TradePort, as well as sand being mined in Richards Bay, which is fed into titanium dioxide processes.
From a logistics perspective, Buthelezi elaborated on last week’s news about the partnership between Green Road and a local BEE company that plans to develop a comprehensive logistics ecosystem at Richards Bay, including a container terminal, mega truck stop and cold storage facility.
“These developments aim to address current supply chain congestion and create seamless commodity trade routes, and are the types of partnerships we are looking for.”
According to Buthelezi, the renewable energy sector is also gaining momentum, with multiple solar and wind projects proposed in northern KZN.
Areas like Newcastle and Ladysmith are attracting significant interest, with four solar grid connection applications already approved and a wind project set to commence construction in August.
Financial institutions like Absa are supporting these initiatives, providing innovative financial solutions to help mining businesses and entrepreneurs overcome traditional funding challenges.
Pria Hassan, CEO of Women of Africa (WOA) Fuels and Oils, called on more women to join the mining and logistics sectors and pleaded with those already in the industry to speak up and make their voices heard.
“Less than 6% of women are in the petroleum sector and less than 2% of them actually trade with the mining sector. As WOA, we want to empower women and are here to lead them in their journey, whether they are a supplier, a new enterprise, or just trying to find their way,” she said.
