Key Points
- RBCT aims to increase coal exports to 81 million tons.
- Collaboration with Transnet addresses derailments and infrastructure issues.
- Infrastructure upgrades could unlock 7 million tons in exports.
In 2017, 76.47 million tons of coal loaded into 907 vessels were exported from the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), setting a record. According to RBCT Chairperson Nosipho Damasane, shipments could reach 81 million tons. When Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) runs well, she noted, RBCT can manage that capacity.
RBCT sets sights on boosting coal exports to 81 million tons
Citing derailments and security concerns that affected coal delivery in early 2023, Damasane stated that recovery of rail traffic is still crucial. “Working together with Transnet has always been essential to our success,” she stated.
In spite of obstacles, the export team proved its ability during a recent operational recovery, reaching the equivalent of 91 million tons. 15 ships carrying 1.3 million tons of coal were waiting in line at the port due to a backlog brought on by poor weather. “We are capable. At a media briefing, RBCT CEO Alan Waller stated, “We are fully equipped to meet that demand if we are asked to run at 81 million tons or even peak higher.”
Through joint activities comprising Business South Africa, Transnet, industry stakeholders, and the Minerals Council South Africa, the National Logistics Crisis Committee is working to restore efficiency. Damasane noted collaborative work on important initiatives and stated, “We are starting to see stability.” train reform, which includes more train capacity and third-party involvement, is still essential to enhancing TFR’s performance. Compressors and batteries, two crucial locomotive components, have been acquired more quickly thanks to RBCT’s collaboration arrangement with Transnet.
“Transnet still owns the infrastructure and must make sure it functions, but this agreement allows faster action where the industry can assist,” Waller stated.
Although they rely on the restoration of basic infrastructure, third-party train operators are also considered an option. “It will be challenging to run more trains until the infrastructure is restored,” Waller continued.
Infrastructure upgrades to unlock millions of tons in exports
According to Mining weekly, when exports reach 70 million tons per year, a debottlenecking project to maximize productivity from two shiploaders will also be reexamined.
TFR supplies 69 collieries with coal for RBCT, which is then stored and loaded onto ships.
Glencore, African Rainbow Minerals, Sasol, Seriti, Thungela, Exxaro, Kangra, and Liberty Coal are among the leading shareholders of RBCT. Ulrich Bester has been nominated to the 12-member RBCT board by Liberty Coal, which purchased Optimum Coal’s shares in December. This year, Mbokodo, the terminal’s only commercial customer, is anticipated to make a decision regarding whether to give up its user agreement or convert its contract into a shareholder.
