FERROCHROME PRODUCERS are expected to meet this week to discuss proposals for a R20m bulk export terminal in Maputo, according to ferrochrome producers association chairman Louis Tolmay.
Tolmay said the plan called for a bulk export terminal to be constructed within six months. It would be the first major infrastructure investment by South African corporations in the port.
Tolmay said the Mozambican authorities were holding discussions with Transnet and several other parties about the reconstruction of the railway line to Maputo. The project was conditional on the rehabilitation of the track, which although functional, made the risk of derailment high.
Because we ship directly from the plant and have no buffer stocks we cannot afford to be delayed for several days because of a derailment, he said.
He said the railway line rehabilitation and construction of port facilities could take place at the same time.
This is a short-term project, so we can be functional within six months of commencement, he said.
The project would significantly boost confidence in the Maputo corridor project, which was still years away from completion. It will give a lot of comfort to people who want to get involved in the corridor project, he said.
Once completed, the producers would retain operational ownership while Mozambique would own and lease the property to the developers.
Ferrochrome producers had begun investigations into an alternative port to escape punitive rail tariffs to South African harbours.
