Johannesburg, South Africa — DRDGOLD, a South African gold producer, has reached a major milestone by successfully pouring the first gold from its $612 million Driefontein 2 (DP2) expansion project.
The DP2 facility, a key part of DRDGOLD’s Vision 2028 investment programme, focuses on enhancing production efficiency and extending the mine’s operational life by around 16 years.
The initial capital estimate for the DP2 expansion was met, and the project was completed on time and within budget. Plant manager Louis Pretorius described the first gold pour as a significant achievement for the company’s staff. During a webinar, DRDGOLD CEO Niël Pretorius highlighted that the company has come in on time and within budget, a testament to the company’s operational excellence.
The DP2 extension, once fully operational, will boost processing capacity from 500,000 to 1. 2 million tonnes per month. This expansion is expected to significantly increase DRDGOLD’s revenue and enhance sustainability.
In 2025, DRDGOLD’s revenue saw a 26% increase to R7. 88 billion, driven by higher gold prices and increased throughput at Ergo.
As part of the Vision 2028 programme, DRDGOLD has also commissioned a 60 MW solar power plant and an 187 MWh battery energy storage facility at Ergo, which has contributed to around half of Ergo’s electricity consumption and has helped lower operational costs and carbon emissions.
The DP2 project is part of a larger initiative that aims to increase processing capacity to 3 million tonnes per month and annual gold output to between 185,000 and 195,000 ounces.
The Vision 2028 plan is a strategic growth objective for DRDGOLD, positioning the company to capitalize on the growing demand for gold and favorable market conditions. DRDGOLD’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is further demonstrated by the reopening of the Daggafontein tailings storage facility, which adds 120 million tonnes of storage capacity.
The company’s focus on these projects underscores its dedication to long-term shareholder value and environmental stewardship.
As DRDGOLD continues to expand its operations, the first gold pour at the FWGR DP2 facility signifies a new era of increased production and revenue.
The company is well — positioned to achieve its strategic objectives and contribute positively to the South African mining industry and the global economy.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Chinedu Okafor
