The government is pleased with progress made at the titanium dioxide pigment manufacturing plant, based at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, in KwaZulu-Natal, Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina says.
She visited the industrial development zone and Nyanza Lights Metals to evaluate the Phase 1 completion of the infrastructure being built by Nyanza for its chemicals plant.
The visit highlighted the need to support highly technical sector plants that have the potential to create sustainable jobs and train graduates in scarce skills, she says.
“South Africa is the second-largest producer of titanium-bearing minerals in the world after Australia, and has potential to benefit the local industry and create much-needed jobs in the country.
“More than 90% of all titanium feedstock is consumed by the pigment sector, which drives demand for titanium mineral concentrates,” Gina notes.
Further, titanium dioxide is a key component in many industrial applications and consumer goods, such as paints, plastics, cosmetics, paper, rubber, ceramics and textiles.
“Previously, government had invested in initiatives that were primarily concerned with the metals beneficiation through research, so now it is encouraging to see companies willing to work with government and invest in plants and skills development,” she says.