JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – State-owned Transnet Freight Rail on Tuesday reported that a coal train on its way to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) derailed on Monday night, near Vryheid.

About 55 wagons derailed, necessitating the closure of both lines, to and from RBCT.

“There were no injuries and recovery teams are on site to clear and repair the line. Expected time of reopening is within 40 hours,” said Transnet Freight Rail spokesperson Mike Asefovitz.

He further noted that the derailment would not have an impact on shipments from RBCT, as the stockpiles were high.

The cause of the derailment was under investigation.

The average 100-wagon train is 2,4 km long, and carries some 16 800 t of coal.

The seven major shareholders now making use of the coal line are Anglo Coal, BHP Billiton, Xstrata, Sasol Mining, Total Coal, Exxaro and Kangra Coal.

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