Construction of the Nyanza Light Metals complex in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) in KwaZulu-Natal has begun. Over the next 12 months, contractors will install more than 6 000 deep-foundation concrete piles across the 70-hectare site, driving them up to 45 metres into the ground to anchor the infrastructure ahead of final commissioning by the end of 2029.
The plant will also utilise process by-products to manufacture critical materials for the energy transition and technology sectors, including Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and fumed silica (SiO₂).
“Instead of exporting raw minerals, this facility will process local resources into high-value titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment, reversing South Africa’s current 100% reliance on importing this essential chemical commodity and offsetting the national trade deficit,” said Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau in a press release.
“Crucially, the complex targets long-term industrial self-reliance through advanced manufacturing and complete import substitution.”
“By shifting up the value chain to advanced chemical manufacturing, this project anchors South Africa’s manufacturing self-reliance and secures our position in global green energy, electric vehicle, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer infrastructure supply chains,” said Tau.
After 15 years of planning, the project has transitioned from blueprint to active execution. The milestone advances South Africa’s national strategy to accelerate local mineral beneficiation, reduce import dependence and build advanced manufacturing capacity through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework.
The Minister said the development demonstrates South Africa’s ability to attract high-value Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into mega-industrial projects.
“By leveraging the institutional credibility of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as a foundational co-developer alongside the regulatory ecosystem of the RBIDZ, the project is mobilising a syndicate of premier pan-African development finance institutions (DFIs).”
“This coalition – including the African Development Bank (AfDB), and co-led by Afreximbank and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) acting as Co-Mandated Lead Arrangers and project developers, demonstrates international investor confidence in South Africa’s industrial viability and regulatory stability,” said Tau.
“The project aligns directly with government’s economic objectives by generating measurable economic activity in the local economy.”
At its peak, the construction phase will create more than 3 000 jobs, providing industrial employment opportunities and specialised civil engineering skills in the region.
In line with national localisation targets, the project is also onboarding a network of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to support its operational, civil engineering and logistical requirements, contributing to community-level economic growth.
Nyanza Light Metals is a South African company developing mineral processing and battery materials manufacturing capacity in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, KwaZulu-Natal. The company focuses on the production of titanium dioxide and lithium iron phosphate, targeting both traditional pigment markets and the growing electric vehicle battery sector. Nyanza Light Metals is positioning itself within the energy transition value chain, leveraging South Africa’s heavy mineral sands resources, particularly ilmenite, as feedstock for its operations. The project has attracted backing from development finance institutions including Afreximbank, the African Finance Corporation and the Industrial Development Corporation.
