Rio Tinto has greenlit the long-stalled $473 million Zulti South project in South Africa, six years after suspending it due to community unrest. The revival marks a major vote of confidence in improved security conditions and renewed partnerships around Richards Bay Minerals, which is majority-owned by the mining giant. Located in KwaZulu-Natal, the operation extracts zircon, rutile, and ilmenite—minerals used in everyday products from paint and sunscreen to smartphones. With the existing Zulti North reserves dwindling, the Zulti South expansion is critical to extending the lifespan of Richards Bay Minerals. With construction set for early 2026 and production targeted for 2028, the restart injects fresh momentum into one of South Africa’s strategic mineral hubs.
Reuters
