Vedanta Resources has doubled its zinc production capacity in South Africa to 500,000 tonnes following a $600 million investment, the company announced. The expansion was completed recently, marking a significant increase from the previous capacity of 250,000 tonnes. This move positions Vedanta as a major player in the global zinc market, enhancing its production capabilities in the region, according to livemint.com.
The capacity increase was achieved through the expansion of Vedanta's Gamsberg zinc mine in South Africa. The company invested $600 million to upgrade infrastructure and optimize operations, enabling the doubling of output. Vedanta's management highlighted that this investment was part of a broader strategy to meet growing demand for zinc, which is critical for galvanizing steel and other industrial applications, as reported by livemint.com.
This development comes amid rising global demand for zinc, driven by infrastructure growth and increased use in renewable energy technologies. Vedanta's expansion aligns with similar moves by other mining companies to boost supply amid tightening markets. The doubling of capacity at Gamsberg places Vedanta alongside top zinc producers worldwide, reinforcing its competitive position and contributing to supply stability in the sector, according to livemint.com.
Vedanta's South Africa zinc production capacity now stands at 500,000 tonnes annually, up from 250,000 tonnes before the investment. The $600 million upgrade was completed in 2026, with the company reporting full operational status this quarter, per livemint.com.