Name and Location
Coal-line export-channel expansion programme, South Africa.

Client
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).

Project Description
TFR is expanding its coal export channel, which links the coalfields of Mpumalanga, and the Waterberg, in Limpopo, to markets in Europe and Asia by increasing initial capacity on the corridor to 81-million tons a year and thereafter to 97.5-million tons a year. Tenders for a prefeasibility study to increase the capacity to 97.5-million tons a year will be issued in the near future to confirm the expansionary and sustaining investments.

The programme combines investments in new infrastructure and rolling stock, most notably a comprehensive dual-voltage locomotive acquisition programme.

The current infrastructure construction programme for the expansion to 81-million includes various sustaining investments and the upgrade of four yards at Blackhill, Saaiwater, Ermelo and Vryheid, 11 substations, five new substations and two locomotive workshops upgrades, with a new locomotive turntable at Richards Bay.

The work packages are being executed using a combination of in-house resources and external design and supply contracts.

TFR has also brought forward the engineering and design work on the Overvaal second tunnel, owing to the operational challenges and risk associated with the single-line tunnel between Ermelo and Richards Bay. The tender for the feasibility study for the Overvaal tunnel has been awarded.

Value
The total expansion and sustaining capital investment for the coal and mineral system programme over the Market Demand Strategy period is currently estimated at R40.7-billion.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest developments
Transnet has reported that, in the six months ended September 30, 66 electric locomotives have been accepted onto the coal line.

Further, R212-million has been invested in expanding the coal line’s capacity to 81-million tons, upgrading yards, lines and equipment.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Not stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
TFR corporate affairs Mike Asefovitz, tel +27 11 544 9585 or email Mike.Asefovitz@transnet.net.