Global mining company Rio Tinto has given the green light for the resumption of the Zulti South project at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.

According to Reuters, the US$473 million project had been placed on hold six years ago due to security concerns and unrest within surrounding communities. The company confirmed on Monday that improved security conditions and stronger relations with local communities influenced the decision to restart the development.

RBM, which is 74 per cent owned by Rio Tinto, mines heavy mineral sands in the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal. The operation extracts zircon, rutile, ilmenite and titanium dioxide. These minerals are widely used in the production of paint, sunscreen, ceramics and electronic devices such as smartphones, Reuters reported.

In a statement quoted by Reuters, RBM managing director Werner Duvenhage said the decision reflects progress made in stabilising operations and rebuilding community partnerships.

The Zulti South project is expected to extend the life of RBM’s mining operations to 2050. This comes as ore reserves at the older Zulti North site continue to decline. Without the new development, the long-term sustainability of the mine would be at risk.

The company has appointed China Harbour Engineering Company as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with initial commercial production targeted for the fourth quarter of 2028, according to Reuters.

RBM remains one of the key mineral sands producers in South Africa and contributes significantly to exports and employment in the region.

The restart of Zulti South signals renewed investor confidence and operational stability after years of disruption at the site.