Vedanta mining of the world's largest undeveloped zinc mine produces 4 million tons of zinc ore per year in the first phase

Published: Mar 8, 2019 11:14

Source: Shanghai Nonferrous Metals Network

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SMM3, 8th March: last Thursday, President Namaguar presided over the opening of the $1 billion Gamsberg mine owned by Vedanta Zinc International. The company acquired the mine from Anglo in 2011 and decided to develop the mine in 2014. At the time, forecasts for zinc in the global market were so eye-catching that the mine played an important role.

At the Gamsberg mine, Vedanta is mining the largest known but undeveloped zinc deposit in the world.

It is reported that the first phase of the Gamsberg mine will last for 13 years and will produce 4 million tons of zinc ore and 250000 tons of refined zinc per year. Phase II and III production is likely to increase to 4.5 million tons and 6 million tons for up to 30 years.

So this is a world-class project with great potential.

The Gamsberg mine has proved that South Africa's mining industry is not a sunset industry. And without the discovery of major new minerals, some mines are still at a mature stage.

The president said he wanted to establish special economic zones by developing the Gamsberg mine. However, in view of the fact that the Gamsberg mine is a volcanic zinc sulfide deposit, whether it is pyro-smelting or electrolytic smelting, its smelting will produce a large number of harmful sulfuric acid, so it is difficult to be competitive in the market.

New mines such as Gamsberg will be welcome, but mining companies must obtain a "social operating license", which takes into account the interests of all stakeholders. Nowadays, it is no longer enough to be a good corporate citizen in terms of labor relations, human resources development and environmental protection. Mining enterprises must pay attention to the entire mining value chain. Maximize the economic benefits of the mine during the period of mine development. And after the mine has been exploited, resources should be invested to support the diversified development of the local economy.

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