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Richards Bay – The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Ravi Pillay to officiate the launch of Nyanza Light Metals (Nyanza) Centre and inspect the progress of the construction of the first phase of the R4,5 billion investment at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) on the 6th May 2021.

The launch follows commencement of construction of the Nyanza Light Metals Technical Services Centre in March 2021, which is the first phase of the Nyanza’s chemical complex under construction.

The Technical Services Centre will produce sufficient titanium dioxide pigment volumes for its customers to use in their manufacturing processes, while bulk volumes will be produced by the main plant coming in the next phases.

Nyanza Light Metals (Pty) Ltd is a chemical manufacturing company that has started the construction of its titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment production plant at the RBIDZ. The titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment is widely used in the manufacturing of products such as paints, industrial coatings, plastics, papers, inks, foods, medicines (i.e. pills and tablets) as well as most toothpastes.

The Nyanza Light Metals project plan rollout will be in three (3) phases, the first phase being the construction of a Technical Services Centre that is currently underway, whereas the second and third phases will be undertaken over the next 36 months with the total investment value of R4,5 billion producing over 80,000 tons per annum of titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment as well as other titanium related products, colour pigments, gypsum, and water treatment chemicals such as iron sulphate (copperas) and aluminium sulphate (alum). 

The project is in line with the RBIDZ’s mandate of being a purpose-built and secure industrial estate tailored for the manufacturing of goods and production of services to boost beneficiation, investments, economic growth, job creation and the development of skills. 

Determinations to rebuild the economy of the province have been strengthened by the commencement of construction for the Nyanza Light Metals plant following delays caused by the outbreak of Covid-19. The pandemic left in its track, the destruction of the economy with thousands of job losses and companies shutting down.

Following its mandate, the governments’ economic recovery initiatives and with the leadership of MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay, the RBIDZ has to fast pace energies geared at creating job opportunities for the people of this province. The commencement of construction for the investment projects and persistent partnership between the RBIDZ and Nyanza Light Metals will contribute towards the restoration and stimulation of the economy of this province.

All parties being local and provincial government together with the RBIDZ and Nyanza Light Metals are delighted by the visible progress of this distinctive and momentous project which will augment Richards Bay’s position as the Titanium and Minerals Beneficiation Capital of the African Continent. 

DETAILS: LAUNCH OF NYANZA LIGHT METALS TECHNICAL SERVICES CENTRE AND CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS INSPECTION

Date    : 6 May 2021

Venue : RBIDZ Phase 1F Estate, Alumina Allee, Alton North, Richards Bay

Time    : 09h00 – 12h00

RSVP  : Choice Sihiya @ 084 2075823 / Zodwa Zikalala @ 071 4021468

Coordinates: 32°1’33.668” E - 28°44’22.752” S

Issued by: Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone Company (RBIDZ) SOC Ltd. 

Enquiries

Choice Sihiya – +27 84 207 5823 (RBIDZ Communication)

Email: Choice.sihiya@rbidz.co.za

Bheki Mbanjwa - +27 060 968 2417 (EDTEA Communication)

Joy Mupariwa - + 27 73 195 3492 (Nyanza Light Metals Communication)

Issued by The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs