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part of a strategy to address infrastructure challenges, provincial economy. The industry is concentrated
investments are being made to restore and improve around the mining of coal, titanium dioxide, zircon,
key facilities. and aggregate. Efforts to promote mineral benefi-
ciation, particularly in aluminium, iron, steel, and
One of the most notable projects is the Club Med beach
resort at Tinley, just north of Durban. Developed by local phosphates, aim to enhance the sector’s economic
company Collins Residential and operated by Club Med, impact.
this R2 billion resort, expected to open in July 2026, will Beneficiation initiatives focus on increasing the
generate over 800 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs, value derived from minerals by processing them
significantly contributing to the local economy. locally rather than exporting raw materials. This is
Olivier Perillat, general manager of Club Med SA, said especially relevant in sectors such as aluminium
the R2bn resort project, which is due to open in July and steel production, where KwaZulu-Natal has
2026, would be a force for regional growth. the potential to develop greater downstream
industries.
The Durban International Convention Centre (ICC),
along with the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Future Prospects
Convention Complex, plays a pivotal role in business One of the most significant initiatives is the KZN
tourism, attracting major conferences and events that Energy War Room, established to address the
contribute significantly to the local economy. province’s energy challenges. Part of this strategy is
to transform Richards Bay into an energy hub, with
The Durban ICC was named South Africa’s Best
Convention Centre 2024 at the World MICE Awards. The plans for a 3,000MW gas power station and several
World MICE Awards recognise and reward excellence in renewable energy projects. These initiatives aim
meetings, incentive, conference, and exhibition tourism to mitigate energy constraints while positioning
worldwide. CEO of Durban ICC Ms Lindiwe Rakharebe KwaZulu-Natal as a leader in clean energy production.
said winning awards is a visible demonstration of all Overall, KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to developing
the behind-the-scenes hard work from the Durban infrastructure, promoting industrial diversification,
ICC teams and people whose principal focus is to and investing in emerging sectors like renewable
continuously provide world-class customer service to energy and digital services is expected to position
clients, both local and international. the province as a key player in both the national and
Mining and Beneficiation regional economy.
While the mining sector contributes less than 2% Undoubtably, KwaZulu-Natal has fantastic opportuni-
to KwaZulu-Natal’s GDP, it remains a key part of the ties and great potential for growth!
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