VZI

What We Do

Deeps: produces copper, lead, and zinc, with silver as a by-product.
Swartberg: produces primarily copper and lead, with silver and zinc as a by-product. Plans are well advanced to convert Swartberg into a major open-pit operation, eventually replacing the current combined underground production from Deeps and Swartberg. Between them, Deeps and Swartberg give BMM an overall output of 1.7Mt of ore a year and have a production capacity of 90,000tpa metal in concentrate.

Gberg has a combined reserve and resource of 218Mt, with an average grade of between 6% and 6.5%, and an estimated life of mine of 30 years.



Mineral Resource and Reserve Highlights - FY20

109.8Mt
104 % Increase in Gamsberg Mineral Reserves from 53.7Mt in 2019 to 109.8Mt in 2020
140.4Mt
In Mineral Reserves of VZI as a whole. 121 % increase from 63.5Mt in 2019 to 140.4Mt in 2020
8.5Mt
VZI’s Total combined metal contained in reserves

Facts about Zinc

According to the International Zinc Association, 60% of zinc produced worldwide is used as galvanizing to protect steel from corrosion, approximately 15% is used in the production of zinc-base alloys (mainly in die-casting), 14% in the manufacture of brass and bronze, 8% in compounds such as zinc oxide and zinc sulfate, and the remainder as zinc alloys rolled and used in coinage and architectural applications, among others. The construction sector is the largest user of zinc products, followed by transportation, and the manufacturers of consumer goods and industrial machinery. Zinc carbon batteries, emission-free, and rechargeable, are an environment-friendly source of energy.

In the agricultural sector, zinc fertilizer increases crop yield and improves water uptake, as well as nutritional value, states the Zinc Nutrient Initiative, adding that zinc is an essential micronutrient crucial for growth, brain development, and fighting dangerous infections, especially in children who have a plant-based diet. Learn More about the uses of Zinc ( https://bit.ly/3jg8rFn )