Rio Tinto Restarts Zulti South Titanium Mine Near Richards Bay

On 2 March 2026, Rio Tinto announced that its board of directors had approved the restart operations at the Zulti South Mine near Richards Bay in South Africa. Work was suspended at the end of 2019, following violent protests.

The project will require an investment of USD 473 million into the mine, which is expected to have a lifetime of 25 years until 2050. Rio Tinto is the controlling shareholder with a 74% share, while the Provincial Government of Kwazulu-Natal is the minority partner, with the remaining 26% stake.

“Lifting the suspension on Zulti South means securing the future of RBM. This project is not about expansion; it represents our commitment to sustaining jobs and continuing to make a meaningful contribution to the province, the country, and the host communities. The decision to proceed also reflects improved security conditions and strengthened community partnerships.”

Rio Tinto MD Werner Duvenhage

“We are honoured to be chosen as Rio Tinto’s strategic execution partner for Zulti South. Our relationship is founded on trust, performance, and shared values. We are committed to delivering a project that strengthens RBM’s future and benefits local communities.”

CHEC VP WU Di

China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) has been appointed as the main EPC contractor. Rio Tinto and CHEC have a successful track record of implementing mining projects in Africa, since the two cooperate on the now operational Simandou iron ore mine in Guinea.

According to the updated schedule, production is now expected by the end of 2028. The mine is known to have several minerals such as zircon, rutile, ilmenite, and titanium oxide.