Coal exports take a dip
COAL exports took a major dip last year, declining by more than 11-million tons.
Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), announcing its 2021 performance results during a virtual briefing on Tuesday, said 58.7 million tons of coal was exported compared to 70.2 million tons in 2020.
This is 18 million tons down from the budgeted 77 million tons for 2021 and the lowest tonnage recorded since 1996.
RBCT Chief Executive Officer, Alan Waller, said a number of factors have contributed to the decline.
‘Of the 11 million tons down against last year’s budget, 1.8 million tons can be ascribed to the second shutdown, with the rest of the lower volume as a result of performance challenges of the overall value chain.
‘One of the biggest challenges the value chain has experienced was the ability of getting the coal from the mines to RBCT.
‘Cable theft has been a significant factor in terms of what the coal line has been dealing with, a daily and weekly problem throughout last year,’ he said.
Waller said they continue to work with various stakeholders to find solutions and improve security.
In terms of export destinations, 86% of South African coal went to Asia, 41% to India, 19% to Pakistan and 10% to China.
'Six million tons moved to China last year, but Asia still remains a significant market for SA coal. We do not anticipate that changing going forward,' said Waller.
Covid-19 stats and safety performance Waller said the terminal incurred one fatality in June and 21 injuries for the year. Sixteen injuries were reported the previous year.
'A lot of work has gone into enhancing processes and strengthening systems as a result, but we still have some work to do,’ said Waller.
By the end of the year, the terminal had recorded 316 positive Covid cases. Two deaths were over a two-year period.
‘Currently we have no active cases and at no point in time throughout the pandemic has the terminal’s ability to operate been adversely affected.
‘Other than the first two days when the terminal was closed, we have been pretty much operational at full capacity throughout the pandemic, ensuring the protection and safety of all employees and contractors.’