Coal terminal to get capacity boost.
September 20, 2006 Filed Under: Coal Mining, Mining Services
Richards Bay Coal Terminal, the world’s largest coal export port facility, will soon begin a R1.1 billion ($150 million) expansion project that will increase its annual capacity to 91 million tons from the current level of 72 million tons.
The expansion will be marked by a sod-turning ceremony by Buyelwa Sonjica, the South African Minister of Minerals and Energy, on Friday, September 22.
When the terminal began operating 30 years ago, it had capacity for handling just 12 million tons a year.
“This expansion will create 3,500 short-term jobs in the KwaZulu-Natal region, many hundreds of long-term jobs, and entrench South Africa’s standing in world coal markets,” says Richards Bay Coal Terminal CEO Kuseni Dlamini. “It will also make a fundamental contribution through its commitment to 26% affirmative procurement and 80% local content.”
The private terminal is owned by Anglo Coal, Xstrata Coal, Eyesizwe, Ingwe, Kangra Coal, Sasol and Total Coal South Africa.
