JSPL's $2 bn South African mine faces relocation opposition

10 Aug 2023 CW Team

Jindal Steel & Power’s ambitious plan to establish a $2 billion iron-ore mine in South Africa is encountering resistance from local communities concerned about the potential displacement of homes and graves, Bloomberg reports.

The proposed mine in Melmoth, situated in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, is met with apprehension as it would necessitate the relocation of thousands of homes and graves. The mine, slated to begin production in 2027 and potentially yield 32 million tonnes of magnetite ore annually by 2031, could significantly overshadow recent investments in the country's mining sector.

While Jindal contends that a minority of residents oppose the project, the Entembeni Crisis Forum, responsible for organizing the petition, argues that the mine's scope could lead to the displacement of more than 3,000 households and 3,000 graves.

Jindal maintains its commitment to consulting affected households and adhering to legal requirements when making resettlement decisions, including exhuming graves if necessary. The company further expresses its intention to secure a mining license next year, with the construction of a processing plant projected to take two-and-a-half years. The operation, once established, is expected to be South Africa's second-largest of its kind, trailing Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.’s Sishen.

Despite the potential for export to Jindal's steel mills in Oman or India, concerns over environmental impact and loss of agricultural land continue to be raised by the forum.

Jindal Steel & Power is led by Savitri Jindal, Asia's wealthiest woman. The proposed South African mine expansion reflects the company's broader mining operations, including anthracite mining in South Africa and metallurgical coal mining in Mozambique.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..