The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Ravi Pillay, will tomorrow (Thursday) 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).

The launch follows commencement of construction of the Nyanza Light Metals Technical Services Centre in March 2021, which is the first phase of 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 begun the construction of its titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment production plant at the RBIDZ. 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 roll-out will be carried out in three phases – the first phase being the construction of a Technical Services Centre that is currently under way, while the second and third phases will be undertaken over the next 36 months, with a total investment value of R4.5-billion. The plant is set to produce over 80 000 tonnes 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 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.

Determination to rebuild the KZN economy has been strengthened by the commencement of the construction of this plant, after 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 many companies shutting down. Following its mandate, the government’s economic recovery initiatives and with the leadership of MEC Pillay, the RBIDZ has to fast-pace energies geared at creating job opportunities for the people of this province.

The commencement of construction of the investment projects, and persistent partnership between the RBIDZ and Nyanza Light Metals, will contribute to the restoration and stimulation of the economy of KZN. 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 of the launch:

• Date : 6 May 2021
• Venue : RBIDZ Phase 1F Estate, Alumina Allee, Alton North, Richards Bay
• Time : 9am – noon
• RSVP : Choice Sihiya @ 084 2075823 / Zodwa Zikalala @ 071 4021468
• Co-ordinates: 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 2075823 (RBIDZ Communication) or email: Choice.sihiya@rbidz.co.za
• Bheki Mbanjwa – +27 60 9682417 (EDTEA Communication)
• Joy Mupariwa – + 27 73 1953492 (Nyanza Light Metals Communication)