EMPANGENI, South Africa, Feb. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Tronox Limited (NYSE: TROX) announced today that the Umlalazi Municipality has formally approved its planning application to amend land use rights on its Fairbreeze C Extension (FBCX) mining area from un-zoned to mining. 

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Mining of the FBCX area is expected to begin in the second half of 2017. The securing of the rezoning approval will contribute to the overall socio-economic value that the development can deliver to the region. Tronox is pleased with the municipality's decision as its project has now progressed significantly with respect to regulatory approvals.

Fairbreeze will utilize hydraulic mining which does not require rock blasting or activities that present significant safety or health risks to adjacent land owners. As such, the South Africa's Mine Health and Safety Regulations regard the proposed Fairbreeze layout as a safe and suitable regulatory limit.

The new mine will bring significant economic benefits to the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa.  The Fairbreeze mine will preserve more than 1,000 permanent and contractor positions and generate an additional 1,000 indirect jobs. Tronox anticipates spending approximately ZAR530 million on services and products, more than half of which will go to black economic empowerment (BEE) companies. The development of infrastructure for Fairbreeze, such as a new electric power substation and water pipeline will also benefit the region. Post-mining rehabilitation of the site will support tourism, land preserves for ecological research and agriculture.

About Tronox
Tronox is a global leader in the production and marketing of mineral sands, titanium dioxide pigment and electrolytic products. Through the integration of its pigment and mineral sands businesses, the company provides its customers a dependable supply of brightening solutions for a variety of end uses. For more information, visit http://www.tronox.com.

South Africa Contact:
Natalie Keegan
Tel: +27 35 902 7840
Email: natalie.keegan@za.tronox.com

Media Contact: Bud Grebey
Direct: +1.203.705.3721
Email: bud.grebey@tronox.com

Investor Contact: Brennen Arndt
Direct: +1.203.705.3722

SOURCE Tronox Limited