Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul has welcomed the R7 billion investment by Vedanta Zinc International in the Gamsberg Phase 2 project that is set to make South Africa the largest zinc producer in Africa.
NORTHERN CAPE Premier Dr Zamani Saul has welcomed the R7 billion investment by Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) in the Gamsberg Phase 2 project that is set to make South Africa the largest zinc producer in Africa.
VZI executive director and chief financial officer Pushpender Singla said that up to 2,500 jobs would be created during the construction phase and up to 1,000 permanent jobs.
The project will expand the mine and plant capacity from four million tons to eight million tons per year.
Vedanta stated that it was committed to making the Northern Cape emission-free through the production of “green” zinc.
The spokesperson for the Office of the Premier, Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams, said on Wednesday that the investment formed part of the second phase of the R21 billion commitment pledged by VZI.
“This investment bodes well for the reduction of poverty and unemployment in the Province. The project will also bring significant socio-economic benefits to the Northern Cape. The investment will significantly benefit the local community and enhance supplier and enterprise development.”
She added that the project would also form part of the Namakwa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and contribute towards secondary industries and downstream beneficiation.
“The VZI investment and others announced in the premier’s State of the Province address earlier this year demonstrate that the Province is a safe and reliable investment destination and, as government, we will support all initiatives geared at economic growth and development in our Province.”
