In a significant step toward accelerating industrial growth in the Northern Cape, Vedanta Zinc International (VZI), the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) and the Industrial Zones Programme (IZP) of the Department of Trade Industry and Competition marked their commitment to collaborative development through a ceremonial signing to advance the industrialisation of the Namakwa region via the establishment of the Namakwa Special Economic Zone (SEZ). 

The ceremony was on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, bringing together VZI, the NCPG and the IZP in a collaborative commitment to advance the Namakwa SEZ. The signing was attended by Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, Executive Director: Industrial Zones Programme, Mr Lionel October, and VZI Deputy CEO, Mr Vijay Kumar. 

In his address, Kumar said, “what we have heard this week is a clear call to action: when industry and government partner with purpose, we can unlock outcomes that benefit all stakeholders - from investors and employees to host communities and future generations. And that is our vision at Vedanta, to create shared prosperity for all our stakeholders.” 

October added, “since its inception in 2021, the Industrial Zones Programme was established to support the effective roll-out of Special Economic Zones and Industrial corridors throughout the country. Housed at IDC Offices, IZP assisted with the designation of Namakwa SEZ and latterly has deployed professionals to support the development and implementation of the SEZ beginning the process of bulk infrastructure planning and implementation” 

During his keynote address, Dr Saul said, “through the Namakwa SEZ, and with Vedanta Zinc International as our anchor investor, we are ensuring that the beneficiation of raw minerals becomes a reality on our own soil. This shift will transform the region’s industrial landscape and significantly contribute to our GDP. We are in full support of this journey and are working tirelessly to ensure the operationalisation of the SEZ, including finalising bulk infrastructure designs for water, roads, and electricity. The Namakwa SEZ is an enabler for other major initiatives, such as our Green Hydrogen Strategy and the development of the Boegoebaai Port.” 

The Namakwa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) 

The SEZ, planned for the Namakwa District and designated in May 2024, is envisaged as a catalyst for economic transformation in the Northern Cape and the broader SADC region. The designation is made in terms of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2014 (Act 16 of 2014). Page 2 

Sensitivity: Internal (C3) 

VZI, through its Gamberg operations in Aggeneys, has been identified as a potential anchor investor, subject to meeting key critical success factors. The anchor investment includes the proposed establishment of a Zinc smelter, which would position Gamsberg as South Africa’s first fully integrated zinc mining and manufacturing facility. The Gamsberg zinc smelter will be in proximity of Black Mountain Mining’s open-pit operation and the largest zinc project in the Northern Cape. Considering its remote location, less known mining gem in South Africa, Gamsberg smelter will offer refined zinc products, sulphuric acid as a by‑product, creating much needed jobs, upskilling of resources and opportunities for various service providers including SMMEs 

Once operational, the Namakwa SEZ will in addition support a range of industries including manufacturing, assembly and mineral processing, reinforcing the Northern Cape’s role as a strategic industrial and beneficiation hub. 

Under the governance of the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA) and its multi‑sector expert Board, the SEZ is set to drive transformative economic growth, industrial diversification and sustainable prosperity across the region. 

Economic impact and industrial development 

The combined development of the Gamsberg mine, smelter and SEZ is expected to create approximately 6 000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, as well as around 1 850 permanent jobs over a five-year period. Further employment growth is anticipated through contractors, secondary industries and additional investors attracted to the SEZ. 

Secondary industries and value chain expansion 

Sulphuric acid, a key by‑product of the proposed smelter, presents significant opportunities for downstream industries, including agricultural processing and fertiliser production, cleaning products, metal processing and chemical manufacturing, among others. The development of these industries is expected to deepen mineral beneficiation, strengthen regional value chains and support long‑term economic resilience. 

A partnership for long-term growth 

The signing underscores the importance of collaborative partnerships between industry, government and development finance institutions in advancing South Africa’s industrialisation agenda, unlocking inclusive growth and creating sustainable livelihoods for communities across the Namakwa region.