Decades in the making

As reflected in our historical overview, Idwala's origins lie in established mining and processing activities in South Africa, particularly in lime, limestone, and industrial minerals. A defining milestone came in 1998, when these legacy operations were consolidated into Idwala Industrial Holdings (Pty) Ltd, creating a focused industrial minerals business with a clear strategic mandate.

Following its formation, Idwala focused on building a strong operational base:

• Development of multiple production sites across South Africa
• Expansion of core product streams in lime, limestone, and carbonates
• Investment in processing capabilities including beneficiation, milling, and micronisation

Key operations established during this period include:

• Idwala Carbonates (Port Shepstone) – producing high-grade, ultra-white carbonate products from premium limestone deposits
• Idwala Industrial Minerals (Gauteng) – processing pyrophyllite for industrial applications

These operations positioned Idwala as a technically capable and reliable supplier into industries such as paper, paint, plastics, ceramics, and chemicals.

As the business matured, the focus shifted toward deeper integration with customers and strengthening long-term market positioning. This phase was characterised by:

• Long-term customer contracts and relationships
• Diversification across multiple end-user industries
• Investment in logistics and distribution infrastructure
• A strong solutions-driven approach, embedding Idwala within customer processes

These capabilities remain core differentiators today.

The transition into the BUD Group marked a significant inflection point in Idwala's evolution. This phase brought:

• Strategic alignment around growth and efficiency
• Stronger capital discipline
• Reinforcement of Idwala's leadership position in lime and industrial minerals

Today, Idwala continues to operate as a key part of the BUD Group portfolio.

A major milestone came in 2020 with the formation of the Omya-Idwala joint venture. Built on longstanding collaboration, the JV enabled:

• Access to global sourcing networks and innovation
• Expansion into specialty chemicals and mineral distribution
• Entry into broader markets including construction, polymers, paper, and consumer goods

This marked a transition from a pure producer to a fully integrated solutions provider.

Following the joint venture:

• The product portfolio expanded significantly
• Idwala strengthened its position as a technical and commercial partner to customers
• Greater integration between manufacturing, distribution, and application support was achieved

This phase reflects a shift toward a more diversified and value-added business model.

In 2025, Idwala expanded beyond South Africa through the establishment of a pelletising plant in Lusaka, Zambia, in partnership with Omya. This development:

• Supports the agricultural sector across Africa
• Extends our geographic footprint
• Positions Idwala as a growing regional industrial minerals player

Today, Idwala:

• Operates across seven locations in South Africa and one in Zambia
• Is a leading producer of lime and industrial minerals
• Distributes specialty minerals and chemicals through the Omya partnership
• Maintains strong customer integration and technical expertise

These strengths underpin a resilient and diversified business.

While our formal history is captured visually in our internal materials, the evolution of Idwala is clear: from a collection of mining assets, we have built a business that is:

• Operationally robust
• Strategically partnered
• Regionally expanding
• Customer-focused