TLG Mozambique, in collaboration with CFM railways, has completed construction of a minerals transit terminal at Ressano Garcia Railways exchange yard.Known as Terminal Internacional Ferroviario de Trânsito de Minérios de Ressano Garcia (TIFTMRG) , this transit dry bulk facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 50 000 tons of bulk minerals at any one time and is only 400 metres from the South African Lebombo border.According to Florbela Trancoso, TLG logistics manager, the partnership between CFM and TLG Mozambique will provide an alternative logistics road-to-rail transit solution for the movement of minerals from South Africa through to the Port of Maputo. “There are several benefits that the terminal offers to the congested road infrastructure,” she told Freight News. “Drivers do not need to exit their trucks on arrival at the terminal. Immigration and customs formalities are quick, while transporters can be pre-registered through The Logistics Company in Centurion South Africa. An online booking and status-tracking system for minerals customers provides further ease of business.”Trancoso said it allowed transporters to move larger volumes of cargo for their customers thanks to the quick entry and exit into the terminal “Turnaround times are less than 45 minutes, meaning transporters can do more loads per month due to the shorter travelling distances and quicker turnaround times.”Other benefits include a non-intrusive scanning system and CCTV and 24-hour manned security.“This new terminal also enables increased utilisation of CFM rolling stock,” said Trancoso. “It has capacity to load up to four trains per day or 12 000 tons of bulk minerals per day. It has undoubtedly created job opportunities for the local Ressano community.”According to Trancoso, by designing and delivering a customised solution, maximum value can be extracted from the entire supply chain. The new Terminal has capacity to load up to four trains per day or 12 000 tons of bulk minerals per day.– Florbela Trancoso, TLG
