Rio Tinto restarts major South African project

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has authorised the restart of the US$473 million Zulti South Mineral Sands Project in South Africa, six years after the venture was halted due to community unrest.

The project is essential for Richards Bay Minerals, 74%-owned by Rio Tinto, to extend its operations in KwaZulu-Natal until 2050 as existing ore bodies decline.

"The decision to proceed also reflects improved security conditions and strengthened community partnerships," said Richards Bay Minerals managing director Werner Duvenhage.

China Harbour Engineering has been appointed as the contractor, with construction slated to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and initial commercial production anticipated by the fourth quarter of 2028.