Who We Are

Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a joint venture between Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, black economic empowerment (BBBEE) partners - Blue Horizon Investments and RBM permanent employees, is a leading producer of titanium minerals, high purity iron and zircon.

RBM, a Rio Tinto managed company, was formed in 1976 to mine and process the heavy minerals found in the coastal sands of northern KwaZulu-Natal. The mine production output contributes significantly to South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) especially to the economy of KwaZulu-Natal. RBM represents about 3.5% of KwaZulu- Natal's GDP.

RBM employs approximately 1 800 employees and 2000 contractors. RBM is proud of the accreditation for ISO 9001 for quality, OHSAS 18001 certification for occupational health and safety management, and ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental management.

RBM has implemented a sound corporate social development programme and an internationally recognised environmental rehabilitation programme to restore the mined dunes to their natural state after mining. The dune rehabilitation programme is done in accordance with the requirements of the landowner.

RBM, working with a team of scientists and University of Pretoria, has committed to monitor the archaeological artefacts in the dunes, marine life and vegetation in Lake Nhlabane and the estuary, as well as the flora and fauna in the rehabilitating forests.

RBM is one of the world's foremost producer of titanium minerals, high purity pig iron, rutile and zircon as well as space age metals.