Page 61 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2018

The launch of the R4 billion titanium beneficiation in the context of regional economic development
project for the manufacturing of titanium pigment at and national plans. Richards Bay Minerals (RBM)
the RBIDZ is a significant milestone in South Africa’s is situated just north of Richards Bay has been in
mineral beneficiation and industrialisation paths. The operation for 30 years, RBM processes the heavy
project will see Nyanza Light Metals, a South African minerals located in the coastal sands in the area
company, establishing a plant to extract titanium and is a leading producer of titanium minerals, high
from waste steel slag and beneficiating it to produce purity iron and zircon. RBM is also in possession of
titanium dioxide pigment which is a critical ingredient a further mining lease, located along a 20km stretch
in paint manufacturing. The project will be the largest of coastline to the south of Richards Bay and the
single investment in the Richards Bay IDZ. UMhlathuze River and north of Port Durnford, the
Another boost is the proposed Gas to Power plant to Zulti South Mine Lease Area (ZSMLA).
be located in the RBIDZ which boasts an estimated The City promotes a diversity of economic activities and
investment value in the region of R47-billion. The the Local Economic Development Plan makes provision
RBIDZ has been allocated 2000 megawatts of the 3126 for growth in the commercial sector by encouraging
megawatts allocated to the Gas to Power programme new initiatives for emerging businesses, the informal
as part of the gas Independent Power Project. The sector and SMMEs.
allocation will result in a multi-billion rand investment
in Richards Bay, in both a gas fired power station, as Tourism
well as gas infrastructure to gasify liquefied natural gas The City of uMhlathuze is rich in diversity and is the
brought into the harbour by ship and piped into the ideal holiday destination where nature lovers can
power plant and other uses. explore the internationally acclaimed game reserves
This plant will create the opportunity for new and and visit the spectacular wetlands. Outdoor and
existing industries in the Richards Bay to make use of sporting enthusiasts can take advantage of the
an alternative energy subtropical climate and endless beaches and cultural
heritage seekers can visit Zulu cultural villages,
Diversified miner South32 has invested R74-million museums and markets.
in a seawater desalination plant to supply the Hillside
Smelter with water. Hillside is the largest aluminium The beaches are significant tourism assets for the
smelter in the southern hemisphere with a capacity of municipality, attracting an Annual Beach Festival
720 kilo tons of aluminium per annum. The plant uses and hosting beach events at Alkanstrand, and
membrane technology to produce cooling process providing seasonal holiday destination and on-going
water for its smelter. The desalination plant will remove recreational amenity.
minerals from seawater extracted from the Richards The proposed developments of the waterfront, has a
Bay harbour. strong tourism focus. Environmental assets and socio-
The coastal dunes contain heavy minerals that economic indicators have therefore been considered in
are sought after for mining, which is a key sector the conceptual plans for the waterfront.

City of uMhlathuze Local Municipality: KZN282 CONTACT DETAILS
Richards Bay Office
VISION 24 hour call centre: 0800-222-827
The City of uMhlathuze, as a port city, will offer Tel: +27 (0)35 907 5000
improved quality of life for all its citizens through Fax: +27 (0)35 907 5444/5
sustainable development. It will be a renowned eMpangeni Office
centre for: Trade, Tourism and Nature-lovers, Coastal Tel: +27 (0)35 907 5000
Fax: +27 (0)35 907 5750
Recreation, Commerce, Industry, Forestry, and
Agriculture. Sub Offices
eSikhaleni - Tel: : +27 (0)35 907 5855
KEY PERSONNEL Nseleni - Tel: +27 (0)35 907 5875
Mayor: Cllr M G Mhlongo Ngwelezane - Tel: +27 (0)35 907 5829
Vulindela - Tel: +27 (0)35 907 5816
Deputy Mayor: Cllr D Sibiya Main Address
Speaker: SG Mkhize Private Bag x1004, Richards Bay,3900
E-mail: reg@umhlathuze.gov.za
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT talk2us@umhlathuze.gov.za
Municipal Manager: Dr N J Sibeko Website: www.umhlathuze.gov.za
Chief Financial Officer: Mr M Kunene Physical Address
Communications Officer: Mr Mdu Ncalane Head Office: Physical Address: 5 Mark Strasse,
LED Officer: Ms B N Nzimande Richards Bay
Empangeni Office: Union Street, Empangeni
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