Downstream aluminium project launched in KZN.

project partners of the downstream aluminium pilot project have launched the long awaited project at the zcbf community park.
the project, initiated by hillside aluminium and facilitated by the zcbf, is a fully operational foundry which aims to train potential entrepreneurs in all aspects of a small aluminium foundry’s operation, thereby opening doors to formal or self employment.

the foundry is positioned to produce aluminium items for the local and international market thereby ensuring the self-sustainability of the project and allowing trainees to obtain hands-on experience in all aspects of a commercial foundry operation.

the project has been made possible through generous funding from hillside aluminium, bayside aluminium, bhp billiton development trust and the department of economic development and tourism, with technical assistance provided by the csir.

funding from the department of trade and industry has made it possible to launch phase two of the project, which entails the establishment of an incubating facility for up to ten entrepreneurs at a time, who will be able to use capital intensive equipment, machinery and support services in a secure environment, for the manufacture of sellable products. after a limited period of time (18 months to two years), their operations should have outgrown the incubator and they will be encouraged to leave the incubator and set up their own businesses.

last year, at an international aluminium industry conference it was made clear that south africa could see an explosion in job creation if more downstream beneficiation could be achieved, particularly as it is much more labour intensive.

a smelter requires one employee per 500 tons of aluminium produced, while a downstream project like this one would require at least one employee per six tons. the conference also highlighted the cost advantages available in south africa due to the lower cost of skills and duty-free export opportunities. with the richards bay industrial development zone already in the process of applying for an operator permit, all these benefits become distinctly realisable.

speaking at the opening function, president and coo of bhp billiton aluminium sa, mahomed seedat, said: “this is a project that is very close to my heart. i would love nothing better than to see the product produced by bhp billiton aluminium smelters creating desperately-needed jobs in south africa”.