Transnet denies new terminal plans

Johannesburg, South Africa — MININGREVIEW.COM — 10 March 2010 – South Africa’s logistics group Transnet says its National Port Authority division is not involved in talks or negotiations to build a new coal terminal in the country.

Quoting South African industry sources at a coal conference in Mumbai, Reuters reported yesterday that a new thermal coal export terminal would be built this year at South Dunes, near Richards Bay, and that it could start shipments as early as June.

The South African industry sources were quoted as saying that two junior coal mining companies had been pushing for the new terminal to be built by the National Ports Authority. The reason behind the initiative was to enable more small Black Economic Empowerment miners to export their own coal, sources close to the deal said.

The report added that the new terminal would start exporting at a rate of around 1.2 million tonnes per year, but pointed out that this could rise significantly.

“I’d like to confirm that Transnet is not in talks with anyone regarding building a coal terminal in Richards Bay,” said Transnet spokesman John Dludlu.