The R5.5-billion Gamsberg zinc mine near Aggenys in the Northern Cape – owned by India’s globally diversified natural resources company Vedanta Resources Limited as part of their Black Mountain Mining (BMM) operations – will be officially launched on Thursday this week.
The mine is located in the mining centre between Springbok and Pofadder and is set to exploit one of the largest known, undeveloped zinc ore bodies in the world. According to a BMM spokesperson, it will comprise an open pit mine and a dedicated processing plant.
“The first phase of the zinc mine, which has an estimated lifespan of over 30 years, is an investment of US$400 million, (over R5.5 billion),” said the company spokesperson, pointing out that a further US$400 investment was planned for the second phase as part of a total investment plan, including future projects estimated at over US$1bn.
“Communities in the area have not been left out with the company having already invested over R44 million in skills development, education, health and enterprise development, and municipal infrastructure support projects in the area,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to open the mine along with Minister of Mineral Resources, Gwede Mantashe, and the premier of the Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas.
The Presidency said in a statement that the Vedanta investment had triggered a new wave of industrial and economic development in the country adding that it further solidified bilateral cooperation between South Africa and India.
