Rio Tinto greenlights US$473 million Zulti South Project, lifts suspension

Rio Tinto has approved Richards Bay Minerals’ (RBM) Zulti South project, ending the suspension that has been in place since January 2020.

The investment of approximately R8.5 billion (US$473 million) is aimed at extending the mine’s life to 2050 and ensuring RBM’s operational continuity for years to come.

RBM currently operates within the Zulti North lease area, which includes a mineral separation plant and a smelting facility.

As the orebody at Zulti North declines, Zulti South is critical for maintaining a stable supply of zircon, rutile, and ilmenite, supporting TiO₂ sales over the mine’s extended life.

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has been appointed as the EPC contractor for Zulti South. CHEC was selected due to its proven performance and strong track record, including a strategic partnership with Rio Tinto on the Simandou project in Guinea, where it successfully delivered complex EPC scopes while ensuring compliance with HSEC standards, rapid mobilisation, integration of global expertise with local execution, and a firm commitment to localisation, community engagement, and supplier development.

Werner Duvenhage, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium Africa Operations and RBM, said:
“Lifting the suspension on Zulti South secures the future of RBM. This project is not about expansion; it reflects our commitment to sustaining jobs and making a meaningful contribution to the province, the country, and host communities.

The decision to proceed also reflects improved security conditions and strengthened community partnerships. The support of government, Amakhosi, and host communities has been vital in getting us to this point, and we remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.”

“CHEC’s successful track record at Simandou, along with their established presence on the continent, including South Africa, gives us confidence in their ability to deliver Zulti South safely, efficiently, and in alignment with our community and local content commitments,” he added.

Mr Wu Di, Vice President of CHEC, said:“We are honoured to be chosen as Rio Tinto’s strategic execution partner for Zulti South. Our relationship is founded on trust, performance, and shared values. We are committed to delivering a project that strengthens RBM’s future and benefits local communities.”

Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2026 and will take 30 months to complete, with initial commercial production anticipated in Q4 2028. The first phase will support RBM’s supply of zircon and ilmenite, while the second phase will follow as part of the mine’s long-term development strategy.