JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Around 46% of South Africa’s coal exported through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) was destined for the European markets in 2009.
The 46% exported to Europe was lower than the 63% recorded during 2008.
RBCT CEO Raymond Chirwa said on Wednesday that of the 61,14-million tons exported in 2009, a further 41% was shipped to the Asian markets, out of which 29% was for the Indian market. This compared with the 18% exported to the Asian market during 2008, of which India accounted for 11% of that figure.
Chirwa noted that in 2009, with only 5% difference between the Asian and European markets, the most significant changing factor was that the Asian market was growing, while the demand for coal in the European market was experiencing a decline.
“Of late, we have also seen the emergence of China as a net importer, and particularly so, importing South African coal at 1,4-million tons, or 2%, in 2009, compared with the 0,07% in 2008,” he said.
On Tuesday, the RBCT reported that exports had dropped slightly to 61,14-million tons in 2009, compared with 61,7-million tons in 2008.
The weaker performance was attributed to “critical business challenges” and Transnet Freight Rail’s “non-performance” in meeting the rail capacity requirements.
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