Chrome throughput on the increase
BREAKING records with chrome throughput, the first Transnet Port Terminal (TPT) inland terminal in June exceeded its monthly average to reach a peak of 100 000 tons of chrome.
The Pendoring Inland
Terminal is situated in the North West Province town of Brits, from where chrome-laden trains are dispatched to the Port of Richards Bay for export.
‘The investments TPT made four years ago in setting up this facility in line with its diversification strategy, is yielding benefits,’ said Kwazi Mabaso, TPT General Manager for Bulk and Breakbulk in Richards Bay. He said the terminal averaged about
90 000 tons a month and the June peak was encouraging to both TPT and its customers. Six 72-wagon trains commute between the inland terminal and Richards Bay on a weekly basis, servicing chrome ore miners.
The majority of the chrome sent by rail to Richards Bay is destined for China.
The operation is a collaboration between TPT and Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). TPT manages the off-loading of cargo from the tipper trucks coming from the mines onto the stockpiles, which it also manages on a day-to-day basis.
The Pendoring Inland Terminal has seen a steady year-on-year growth, achieving 800 000 tons of volume in 2018/19.
This is more than 1 000% higher than when the operation started in
2015.