TPT celebrates 1bn ton iron-ore export milestone

19th August 2016 By: Megan van Wyngaardt - Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT’s) Saldanha operations on Thursday celebrated a significant milestone – with one-billion tons of iron-ore having passed through the bulk terminal.

Saldanha is South Africa's main iron-ore export terminal and a highly mechanised bulk-handling facility that remains the largest facility in the Port of Saldanha.

The terminal’s total handling capacity increased gradually from 18-million tons a year in 1976 to the current 60-million tons a year.

“TPT is constantly looking to expand and strengthen our operations, so reaching such a large milestone is significant for the company as a whole," TPT Saldanha terminal manager Robert van Rooyen said at the commemorative event.

As part of Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy, R5.5-billion has been earmarked for investment in the expansion of the Saldanha iron-ore terminal.

“We don’t intend on slowing down and are focused on continuing to increase volumes and improve efficiencies so that we maintain our efforts to contribute to the Western Cape region and the country’s economy as a whole,” Van Rooyen added.