Vedanta has doubled the annual zinc-in-concentrate production capacity of its Gamsberg mine in South Africa following an investment of nearly $600 million in its second expansion phase.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated the Gamsberg Phase II project in Aggeneys, Northern Cape, on October 16. The expansion raises the mine’s annual production capacity to approximately 500,000 tonnes.
The facility is operated by Vedanta Zinc International, part of the Indian natural resources group. The project is located within the Namakwa Special Economic Zone, which South Africa designated in 2024 to encourage industrial investment and economic activity.
The country’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition described the expansion as one of South Africa’s largest mining investments of the past decade. The development also reflects continued investment in the country’s mineral-processing sector.
Zinc is primarily used to galvanise steel, protecting it from corrosion. It is widely required in construction, infrastructure and manufacturing, including the production of vehicles and industrial equipment.
The expanded capacity strengthens Vedanta’s international zinc operations as the company pursues higher production across its business. Its portfolio includes Hindustan Zinc in India, alongside its South African operations.
The Gamsberg project is expected to support economic activity in the Northern Cape through mining and associated industrial operations. Its location within a designated economic zone also links the investment to South Africa’s efforts to attract capital into regional industries.
