This mine is part of Vedanta’s Black Mountain Mining (BMM) operations located about 30km from BMM’s base at Aggeneys. It is one of the largest zinc mines in the country, compromising an open pit mine and a processing plant. 

This Indian-based company has invested R5,6 billion in the first phase of the Gamberg zinc mine, which Ramaphosa has during his recent state visit to India described as an investment that has triggered a new wave of industrial and economic development in South Africa. 

The first phase of the mine saw more than 3 000 people being employed at the height of construction, while 750 permanent jobs were created. More than 7 000 are expected to be employed permanently once production kicks off.

It is alleged that the company has invested about R44 million on skills development, enterprise development and municipal infrastructure support projects in the area.

This multi-billion rand Gamsberg Mine in the province has become one of the largest mining projects in the country. The opening of the mine led by Ramaphosa, who is expected to be joined by Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe, and Northern Cape Premier, Sylvia Lucas, will come just a week after Lucas reiterated the importance of job creation in the province in her State of the Province Address (Sopa).

The province is currently counted amongst those with a high unemployment rate. According to the latest Stats SA report on unemployment, the Eastern Cape has recorded the highest rate of young people aged 15-24 who were not in employment, education or training, followed by the Northern Cape at 35.4%.

Lucas further reiterated that the residents in the province must benefit from its mineral resources and that the time has come for mining communities to reap the fruits of their resources and be developed.

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