Airlink targets mining industry growth

Airlink Cargo has identified expansion opportunities in the southern African freight market and sees the mining industry as a catalyst for economic development in South Africa, according to executive manager Alwyn Rautenbach. The airline currently serves approximately 36 destinations in the region and Rautenbach anticipates more opportunities stemming from mining exploration and development projects in southern Africa, specifically Mozambique. The mining industry in Mozambique is currently undergoing a period of rapid growth, said Rautenbach. The country has an array of mineral deposits, including significant gold and coal reserves, as well platinum group metals, iron ore, graphite, nickel, titanium and uranium deposits. Rautenbach says Airlink Cargo has been kept busy on the route to Tete Province – a coal-rich area in Mozambique – providing a cargo service to mining firms such as global miner Rio Tinto. And Rautenbach is upbeat about further growth. “Mozambique is a new mining country. All projects there are new and have not reached maturity. “There are many development projects in the mining industry across southern Africa – providing many opportunities for airfreight,” said Rautenbach. INSERT & CAPTION Mozambique is a new mining country. All projects there are new and have not reached maturity. – Alwyn Rautenbach