ZULTI SOUTH PROJECT GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 27
On 2 March 2026, Rio Tinto approved the Richards Bay Minerals Zulti South project, which is expected to ‘extend the mine’s life to 2050 and ensure RBM’s operational continuity for years to come’. The project was originally suspended in January 2020, but now with restrictions lifted, this $473 million investment serves as a new venture for Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). RBM currently operates within the Zulti North lease area, which includes a mineral separation plant and smelting facility. As the orebody at Zulti North declines, Zulti South is important to RBM for maintaining a stable supply of zircon, rutile, and ilmenite and supporting titanium dioxide sales over the life of the mine.
Zulti South is a project that is expected to be key in retaining the operations for Richards Bay Minerals to 2050. The China Harbour Engineering Company has been appointed to work on the engineering, procurement and construction on the project, with an estimated start during the first quarter of 2026 and construction is estimated to take 30 months to complete, with the start of commercial production expected to begin at the 4th quarter of 2028.
Rio Tinto states that the choice for the China Harbour Engineering Company was due to their proven track record of previous successful partnerships with Rio Tinto, mentioning the Simandou project in Guinea. “The decision to proceed also reflects improved security conditions and strengthenedcommunity partnerships,” Richards Bay Minerals managing director Werner Duvenhage said. The project aims to construct many structural components, including two pipe bridges, a 220m long structural steel bridge with a 60m main span and a 72m long precast, and a prestressed beam deck able to withstand heavy loads.
The vice president of China Harbour Engineering Company, commented, “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.”
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