Name of the Project
Zinc smelter-refinery complex.

Location
Northern Cape, South Africa.

Client
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.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
VZI has started a feasibility study on the proposed project. 

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. 

The scope of the feasibility study includes a review of previous work undertaken by VZI into possibly developing a Southern Africa zinc cluster that would incorporate Black Mountain, and Skorpion Zinc that is located in southern Namibia. Skorpion Zinc currently operates an integrated zinc refinery, and the potential exists for the conversion of this 150 000 t/y refinery to co-treat sulphide and oxide concentrates from Gamsberg and other sulphide concentrate raw materials from nearby sources. 

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

The feasibility study is in line with Vedanta’s commitment to beneficiating to final metal, which is the model followed by the group in India. 

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

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

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