Name of the Project
Gamsberg zinc smelter-refinery complex.

Location
Outside Aggeneys, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Vedanta Zinc International (VZI), a subsidiary of London-listed Vedanta Resources.

Project Description
VZI is proposing the development and construction of a zinc smelter-refinery complex to process concentrates from its Gamsberg project at Black Mountain Mining.

It is envisaged that the first phase of the complex will have a capacity of 250 000 t/y of finished zinc metal. 

As the Gamsberg project has been developed in a modular fashion, the smelter-refinery complex could be expanded to align with phases 1 and 2 of the Gamsberg project.

The establishment of the proposed beneficiation plant will make Gamsberg a fully integrated zinc production site, with the mine, concentrator and smelter-refinery complex at one location, establishing it as the first integrated zinc manufacturing facility in South Africa.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Northern Cape, creating jobs – directly and indirectly – and further developmental opportunities in the region.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The Gamsberg refinery could result in a further investment by Vedanta of between $700-million and $800-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
A feasibility study on the proposed project is under way. 

The study will evaluate the infrastructural requirements of the complex such as additional power to operate the beneficiation facility and additional water supply. 

Both would mean significant large-scale investment. 

Should these projects proceed, this Southern Africa zinc cluster has the potential to be one of the world’s largest zinc supply regions.

Work with a range of key partners, especially the Northern Cape provincial government, is under way to ensure that the necessary preconditions for the project are put in place.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
R&A Strategic Communications, Charmane Russell or Marika Muller on behalf of VZI, tel +27 11 880 3924 or email charmane@rasc.co.za or marika@rasc.co.za.