The expansion further advances Vedanta Limited’s position as the world’s largest zinc producer, with a vision of achieving 3 million tonnes of annual production across India and South Africa. Of this, 2 million tonnes are targeted from its subsidiary, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC; BSE: 500188), the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, while Vedanta Zinc International business aims to contribute 1 million tonnes annually.
Zinc consumption is growing rapidly as it is essential to modern industrial and infrastructure development. Through galvanization it protects steel, the world’s most widely used metal, from corrosion, extending its service life and supporting applications across construction, automotive, manufacturing and other sectors. Together, Hindustan Zinc and Vedanta Zinc International strengthen Vedanta Limited’s position to serve this growing global demand for zinc.
This expansion forms part of the ZAR 21 Bn (nearly US$ 1.5 Bn) investment commitment Vedanta made at the 2018 South Africa Investment Conference. At last month’s 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, President Ramaphosa called for increased Indian investment in key South African industries. Vedanta’s continued investment in the Northern Cape demonstrates the tangible value of this growing economic partnership.
“We have come to celebrate an investment that has moved from commitment to construction, and from construction to production. We welcome Vedanta’s ambition to establish zinc smelting capacity in the Northern Cape. Government must work with Vedanta and other partners to address their requirements.” said, South Africa President Ramaphosa.
“For Vedanta, Gamsberg Phase II is more than an expansion of its zinc business. It is a commitment to South Africa’s future. My father, Vedanta founder and Chairman Anil Agarwal, made that commitment with the belief that the country’s mineral wealth could become a foundation for industrial growth, jobs and opportunity. Today, I am proud to see that vision coming to life. Our ambition is to build a globally significant zinc and industrial hub in the region, creating lasting value for the country and its people. The true measure of our success is not just what we produce, but the prosperity we help create for generations to come,” said Priya Agarwal-Hebbar, Director -Vedanta, and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc.
Beyond the employment created at its operations, Vedanta has invested nearly USD 20 Mn in community initiatives in South Africa since acquiring Vedanta Zinc International in 2011. Focused on health, education, care centres, sport, livelihoods, infrastructure and social welfare, these initiatives benefit more than 32,000 people each year. Vedanta Zinc International also opened an oncology centre, a priority community project, in Namakwa earlier this year.
