A REGIONAL OVERVIEW OF
GAUTENG The Cullinan Mine is expecting its expansion project to start producing in 2024.
A move to Johannesburg by a De Beers division has strategic significance for the Gauteng economy, not least in supporting the idea of Special Economic Zones as sector accelerators. The Vaal SEZ is the latest initiative to move forward, with the goal of revitalising the Vaal regional economy. By John Young
G
Beers’ choice is also a reflection of a long-term shift in the nature of the Gauteng economy that has for decades been moving away from resources and towards services. The move is also in line with the policies of national and provincial government to support Special Economic Zones (SEZs), in this case the Gauteng Industrial Development Zone (GIDZ). The aim is to attract entities engaged in mineral beneficiation to the zone, with this cluster being conveniently located near to the OR Tambo International Airport. The National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is the lead agent in the creation of SEZs, which are part of the national Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP). SEZs are designed to attract investment, create jobs and boost exports. Three district municipalities across the south of Gauteng are to host to the Vaal Special Economic Zone ( Vaal SEZ) which will have
old is what made Johannesburg but diamonds are in the news today. Gold mining continues in Gauteng, and new technologies are making it profitable to work on historic tailings, but the industry is now one of many rather than being the thing that defines the city or the province. Gauteng diamonds first made a big splash when the huge Cullinan diamond was discovered in 1905. It went on to become part of the crown jewels of the British monarch. Petra Diamonds recently approved another expansion project which will cost $173-million and is expected to start producing in 2024 and reach steady state in 2026. As of January 2023, De Beers Group’s Sightholder Sales business started operating out of Sky Park Industrial in Johannesburg, having been in Kimberely in the Northern Cape since diamonds were first discovered. Although the move has significance for the mining sector, De
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