Vedanta to further strengthen ties in Africa; to invest in metals, minerals

India's leading diversified natural resources company Vedanta with interests in oil and gas, zinc-lead-silver, copper, iron ore, aluminum and power is set to expand its footprint in Africa.

Vedanta has a long-standing presence in Africa and has invested more than USD four billion in its African operations since 2004.

Currently, the company mines copper in Zambia, produces zinc and lead concentrate at Black Mountain Mining (BMM) in South Africa, and zinc metal at Skorpion Zinc in Namibia.

Recently, Vedanta kick-started the Gamsberg Zinc Project at BMM with a capital investment of USD 400 million. Gamsberg, which is in the Northern Cape, holds one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc sulphide deposits, with approximately 160Mt of defined ore resources.

"The true scale of business opportunities in Africa has not yet been explored, particularly in South Africa's rich natural resources sector," Chairman of Vedanta Resources, Anil Agarwal.

"I am certain that this visit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi heralds an even more prosperous future for India and the African continent," added Anil Agarwal.

"We are committed to expanding our operations here and will continue to invest in our green field project at Gamsberg," added Agarwal.

He also announced that the group will be signing two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with South African companies when he visits South Africa as part of the delegation accompanying Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 8.

Some 125 South Africans work on various HZL sites across India and Vedanta has awarded projects worth almost USD 300 million to at least seven companies based in South Africa to date.

Vedanta believes that its Gamsberg project together with its investment in technology and innovation with local partners will contribute significantly to improving the livelihoods of local communities in both India and South Africa.

While most mining operations in South Africa have been declining over the past few years, BMM continues to be an efficient producer of zinc, lead, copper and silver. It has been a stable employer in the region for the past 30 years and, with the development of Gamsberg, has the potential to remain so for at least the next two decades. BMM is the largest private employer in the Bushmanland and Namaqua region, providing employment for 1,300 people.

"The Gamsberg Project represents a significant opportunity to grow the local economy and create jobs while remaining committed to a long-term plan to rehabilitate a region rich in biodiversity," said Naidoo.

Gamsberg is located in the ecologically sensitive Succulent Karoo Biome, which represents one of the world's 35 biodiversity hot spots, according to Conservation International.

Vedanta is committed to ensuring that it leaves a positive legacy when its operations reach the natural end of their economic lives. As such, the company has committed to all closure processes reflecting best practice in terms of sustainability and environmental rehabilitation.