Plans by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to develop a new deep-water harbour at Boegoebaai, north of Port Nolloth, have raised questions marks over a possible clash with plans for the Port of Ngqura. According to chief executive Tau Morwe, the proposed Northern Cape port could act as a new minerals export channel for commodities such as manganese, zinc and coal. But plans for manganese exports from Boegoebaai seem to be in conf lict with plans to develop the Port of Ngqura. Transnet is currently involved in upgrading the rail link between Hotazel in the Northern Cape and the Port of Ngqura. This is designed to match the plans for the construction of a dedicated manganese export terminal at the port. The town of Hotazel – 147 kilometres north of Postmasburg and 46km north-west of Kuruman – serves the manganese mines in this area. And with this new facility at Ngqura, the objective is to increase manganese exports through the port to 16 million tonnes a year. How much remains for the proposed Boegoebaai port is an unknown factor. INSERT & CAPTION The proposed Northern Cape port could act as a new minerals export channel. – Tau Morwe
