Mozambican mining industry flying high

Fuelled by the growth in mining activities, air charter services into Mozambique have taken off over the past four years. “The oil and gas market has picked up in Mozambique, which is keeping us busy,” says Iain Clark, managing director of Chapman Freeborn Airchartering. “We are currently advising on some very interesting movements on mining projects. We are however not at liberty to provide details at this stage,” he says. In addition to the energy sector (gas, coal and oil), Mozambique is becoming a major supplier of minerals such as aluminium, beryllium, and tantalum. The gas sector is relatively new, and is firing up development to the north of the country. “Gas reserves have been estimated to be the fourth largest in the world. We have seen growth in the oil and gas sectors requiring our solutions,” he says. Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Africa is supported in Mozambique by the rest of the global Chapman Freeborn group, which has been moving cargo in the country for some time. Clark says local knowledge and support is needed to ensure that the cargo moves quickly and safely. It starts with selecting the right aircraft not only for the load, but also for the conditions on the ground. “With our experience in Mozambique we are able to focus on valued-added services such as providing pre-flight advice on everything from documentation requirements and customs formalities to trucking and warehousing arrangements,” he says. Fuel purchases often need to be planned in advance, and support provided at the airport for customs and flight clearance. In many cases arrangements have to be made for specialist equipment, including cranes and custom-built loading structures to handle the cargo. INSERT & CAPTION We have seen growth in the oil and gas sectors. – Iain Clark