The planned expansion of the world’s single largest coal terminal, Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), will increase its throughput capacity from 72-million tons a year to 91-million tons a year.

The project was reduced from a planned 92-million tons a year in order to start the expansion to meet the short- to medium-term export capacity requirements.

The expansion, at a cost of R1,2-billion, is deemed necessary in order to meet the short- to medium-term capacity requirements of export coal producers.

It is about halfway through its phase five expansion and is on schedule to reach capacity within the first half of 2009.

Eight coal companies, including diversified miners African Rainbow Minerals (Arm) Coal and Exxaro, have been selected for the nine-million tons of coal export capacity made available through the RBCT’s Phase 5 expansion.

The eight successful applicants are Arm Coal, with the biggest allo- cation of 3,2-million tons a year, Exxaro Coal with 2,5-million tons, Tumelo Coal Mines with 600 000 t, Yomhlaba Resources with 500 000 t, Mbokodo Mining with 500 000 t, Umcebo Mining, Mmakau Mining and Worldwide Coal Carolina.

The main project contracts have been awarded to Bateman (main contract), Siemens (electrical supply and design), Metso (tippler and stacker), SKP (civil design and earthworks), Spoornet (upgrade of the railway), and Portnet (dredging and extension of quay).

The stacker reclaimer and reclaimer that were reported to be out of service for urgent technical and structural maintenance early in Feb-ruary, were repaired ahead of schedule and are back in service. Apart from minor delays, there were no significant delays at the RBCT yard.

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