Aggeneys:President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to officially inaugurate the Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) Gamsberg Phase II Expansion Project on Friday in Aggeneys, Northern Cape. The expansion is located in the Khâi-Ma Local Municipality within the Namakwa District.
According to South African Government News Agency, this project is one of the largest mining investments in South Africa over the past decade. It is anticipated to enhance the country's zinc production capacity significantly and boost economic activity in the region.
With the theme "Partnerships for Progress," the inauguration will emphasize the importance of collaboration between government, business, employees, and communities to foster inclusive growth and regional development. The expansion is expected to increase Gamsberg's annual zinc-in-concentrate production capacity to about 500,000 tonnes, potentially making it one of the world's largest zinc-producing mines.
The project is projected to sustain between 800 and 1,000 jobs during its operations, with recruitment mainly focused on the Northern Cape. This aims to support local employment, skills development, and economic growth in nearby communities.
The inauguration is part of VZI's long-term commitment to South Africa and highlights the significance of mining investments in driving industrial development and creating economic opportunities. A media tour of the Gamsberg Mine is scheduled for Thursday at 1500, prior to the main inauguration event on Friday.
