Vedanta Limited has doubled the annual zinc production capacity of its South African operations to 500,000 tonnes following an investment of nearly US$600 million in the second phase of the Gamsberg zinc mine. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Vedanta Limited Director Priya Agarwal-Hebbar inaugurated the expanded capacity at the company’s flagship mining operation in the Northern Cape province.
The expansion at Gamsberg, which holds one of the world’s significant zinc deposits, is among the major mining investments in South Africa in recent years. It forms part of Vedanta’s broader plan to increase zinc production across India and South Africa and strengthen its position in the global zinc industry.
Vedanta has set a target of achieving annual zinc production of 3 million tonnes across the two countries. Its subsidiary, Hindustan Zinc Limited, aims to contribute 2 million tonnes, while Vedanta Zinc International plans to increase its annual contribution to 1 million tonnes.
Zinc is widely used in galvanisation, a process that protects steel from corrosion and extends its service life. The metal is important for construction, automotive manufacturing, infrastructure and other industrial applications. Vedanta said the combined operations of Hindustan Zinc and Vedanta Zinc International would help it address growing global demand.
The Gamsberg expansion is part of the ZAR 21 billion, or nearly US$1.5 billion, investment commitment announced by Vedanta at the 2018 South Africa Investment Conference. The project also follows calls by President Ramaphosa for greater Indian investment in key South African industries.
President Ramaphosa said the project had progressed from an investment commitment to construction and production. He also welcomed Vedanta’s plans to establish zinc smelting capacity in the Northern Cape and called for cooperation between the government and the company to address its requirements.
Priya Agarwal-Hebbar said the expansion reflected Vedanta’s commitment to South Africa’s industrial development, employment and economic opportunities. She added that the company’s long-term ambition was to develop a zinc and industrial hub in the region.
Since acquiring Vedanta Zinc International in 2011, Vedanta has invested nearly US$20 million in community initiatives in South Africa. These programmes cover healthcare, education, sports, livelihoods, infrastructure and social welfare, benefiting more than 32,000 people annually. The company also opened an oncology centre in Namakwa earlier in 2026. Vedanta operates across India, Africa, the Middle East and East Asia, with businesses spanning metals, critical minerals and related industries. Sustainability is part of its strategy, including a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
