By: Mining review Africa

One of the most significant developments came from Rio Tinto, which approved an investment of about R8.5 billion for the Zulti South project at Richards Bay Minerals in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The decision also lifts the previous suspension on the project and is expected to support the long-term sustainability of mineral sands production at the operation.

Another key development involved Orion Minerals, which secured a US$250 million financing facility from Glencore to support the restart of the historic Prieska Copper Mine.

The funding package marks a major step forward for the project, located in Northern Cape, and is expected to accelerate work aimed at bringing the operation back into production. Copper remains a critical metal for electrification and renewable energy infrastructure, placing renewed focus on projects capable of supplying the global market.

Corporate activity also featured strongly this week. Exxaro Resources confirmed the conclusion of its R10.6 billion acquisition of select manganese assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OM Holdings, a move that positions the company as a globally significant manganese producer.

The transaction strengthens Exxaro’s presence in the manganese sector, a commodity increasingly important for steelmaking and emerging battery technologies.

Elsewhere, exploration and development updates reflected continued interest in Africa’s mineral potential. Companies across the continent are advancing projects linked to copper, manganese and other strategic minerals, as demand rises alongside global infrastructure and energy transition requirements.

Taken together, this week’s developments highlight growing investment momentum and renewed confidence in Africa’s mining sector, as companies commit capital to projects that will support future supply of key industrial and energy metals.