Mining major, Rio Tinto, has entered into a two-year partnership with the Lima Rural Development Foundation (Lima) to improve the livelihoods of 200 farmers across ten Traditional Authority Areas in KwaZulu-Natal’s King Cetshwayo District.
The investment, delivered through the Rio Tinto Social Investment Fund, capitalises on Lima’s 25+ years of agricultural expertise to remove market barriers, enhance farmers’ productivity, and drive sustainable economic growth in Zululand.
By providing comprehensive technical support, training, and access to essential resources and markets, the programme will integrate these farmers into profitable vegetable and poultry supply chains, to strengthen their small business, and improve their livelihood.
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Africa Operations and Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Managing Director Werner Duvenhage said, “Traditional farmers along the Zululand coast, including our host communities, face considerable hurdles in accessing viable markets and modern farming methods. Our collaboration with Lima directly addresses these challenges and fosters meaningful and lasting improvements in the agricultural sector within our communities and beyond. We are proud to partner with Lima to bring tangible social change through this programme.”
Lima Managing Director Lynette Parsons said, “We are thrilled to partner with Rio Tinto and RBM on a programme that empowers traditional farmers and strengthens rural livelihoods. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to inclusive growth and long-term community development.”
This initiative is well aligned with government priorities around poverty reduction.
Rio Tinto
- The Rio Tinto Social Investment Fund has previously supported the successful Pink Drive throughout KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), including the municipalities of RBM’s host communities, and the Eastern Cape. Similarly, this upcoming initiative is designed to benefit the wider KZN district.
- The Fund seeks to invest in projects that generate positive and enduring socio-economic impact in communities within Rio Tinto’s operational regions. It serves to augment the existing social investments made by RBM, extending support beyond immediate areas of influence to address priority socio-economic needs at the national level.
About Richards Bay Minerals (RBM)
Richards Bay Minerals is a world leader in heavy mineral sands extraction and refining. RBM mines mineral-rich sands in the northern KwaZulu-Natal province and produces materials used in a wide range of everyday products, from paints to smartphones. RBM is committed to sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the communities it serves.
