Ramaphosa hails historic India ties at launch of $10bn zinc expansion

During the opening of Vedanta's Gamsberg Phase II concentrator plant in Aggeneys, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the long-standing historic ties and shared democratic values between India and South Africa. The event was attended by Indian High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar, Consul General Ruby Jaspreet and other dignitaries. The expansion, valued at about ZAR 10 billion (approximately Rs 5,757 crore), will double the mine’s annual ore-processing capacity from four to eight million tonnes and raise zinc-in-concentrate output to roughly 500,000 tonnes.

Ramaphosa noted that more than 150 Indian firms operate in South Africa, contributing investment, jobs and expertise, and cited recent talks at the 18th BRICS summit on manufacturing, energy and technology cooperation. He called on investors to generate local employment, develop industries, transfer skills and benefit surrounding communities, and welcomed Vedanta's plan to add zinc-smelting capacity, moving the country further up the value chain.