A multi-billion-rand titanium dioxide processing plant, currently under construction in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), presents an opportunity to transform South Africa from a mere exporter of low value primary raw materials to an exporter of value-added products.
Underpinning the success of the development is the Mukona Group, which has undertaken a detailed geotechnical investigation to inform the design of the foundations on which the plant will be built.
The Nyanza Light Metals titanium dioxide plant at the RBIDZ will beneficiate titanium ores mined in South Africa to produce 80 000 tonnes of titanium dioxide pigment annually as well as other by-products such as sulfuric acid and copperas (iron sulphate) which will be further beneficiated to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP), zirconium oxychloride and fumed silica.
Divided into three phases, the plant will represent a capex investment of R10 billion once fully developed and cover 45 ha of land. Up to 3 000 construction workers will be involved in building the main plant which will employ around 850 people directly once fully operational.
“This massive development is going to change the landscape of Richards Bay,” says Solly Phalanndwa, Founder and Managing Director of Mukona Group. The Mukona Group was appointed by RBIDZ to conduct a full geotechnical investigation for the site of the plant.
According to David Msiza, Senior Civil Engineer at Mukona Group and project manager on the Richards Bay project, RBIDZ provided Mukona with a broad scope for the project and allowed them to adjust it based on their expertise and experience to deliver the necessary results to facilitate the design and construction of foundations.
“Not only do we have vast experience in conducting geotechnical investigations, but because Mukona also offers consulting engineering services as well as installation of pile foundations, lateral support and ground improvements through its various divisions, we know exactly what information is needed when conducting an investigation,” says Phalanndwa.
SAICE – Civil Engineering, December 2024