Africa: Major coal port expands to open up export capacity

Africa's biggest coal export port will be expanded in a USD192 million (R2 billion) investment designed to help smaller South African mining companies send their output abroad. Shipping and logistics group Grindrod is forming a joint venture with investment group RBT Resources to expand its Navitrade terminal at Richards Bay.

Richards Bay Coal Terminal, the largest coal export facility on the continent, handles output from major established mining companies. The terminal, with a maximum design capacity of 91 MnT a year, is on track to top 70 MnT this year, up from 68.3 MnT in 2012.

Under the plan, Grindrod's Navitrade terminal, which has a capacity of 3 MnT a year, will be upgraded to handle 20 MnT as it aims to open up capacity for new entrants. Grindrod will have a 49.9% stake in the joint venture and RBT will hold 50.1%. 

– Sourced