THE PORT of Beira is gearing up for the building of an aluminium smelter plant, either at the port or at nearby Dondo or Savane, which will bring new activity and greater employment to the Beira area.
A feasibility study is currently being undertaken by two overseas companies, and is planned to be completed by October this year at a cost of US$1,3million (R8m).
The project will provide employment for 5 000 people during the construction phase and 1 000 workers will be required when production starts. Two vessels monthly in the 40 000 - 50 000 ton class will be required to transport the estimated
600 000 tons per year of raw bulk alumina ore to the port and 300 000 tons of final alumina product to be exported.
At the same time 150 000 tons of additional raw materials, such as coal petroleum ore will be unloaded at Beira.
The final analysis will take into account the availability of electricity at the cheapest rate and the environmental impact of the plant, with the project scheduled to start in mid-2000.
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