Rio, Billiton JV plans large KZN plant

[miningmx.com] – The Rio Tinto-BHP Billiton joint venture, Richards Bay Minerals, plans to build a large plant with operations expected to start in 2016, its spokesperson said on Thursday.

The Zulti South mine south of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Nata will mine heavy minerals including ilmenite, to produce titanium dioxide feedstock and pig iron.

“A pre-feasibility study is currently being conducted … if the study is successful, the Zulti South mining operation is expected to commence around 2016 and run for approximately 21 years,” chief executive Nthabiseng Motsepe said in an email response.

RBM is a major producer of titanium minerals, high-purity pig iron, rutile and zircon, which is used in making ceramic tiles and sanitary ware.

Motsepe also said RBM had applied for prospecting rights for the north of Zulti South, which it calls the Zulti South Extension, in a bid to increase its output.

The company exports 95% of about 2 million tonnes of minerals produced annually with zircon and rutile separated and sold in their mineral form.