A Richards Bay Bulk Terminal conveyor belt that was undergoing repairs has been damaged in the woodchip fire that broke out in the port last week.
Richards Bay Terminals said in a statement on Wednesday that the conveyor belt had incurred "minimal damage" during the blaze that is still raging in the port.
However, the adjacent conveyor belts which are in full operation are safe.
"The emergency teams reacted swiftly and the fire was contained. It is suspected that the root cause was burnt woodchips blown by the wind from the adjacent woodchips precinct that is currently under fire and subsequently entered the gallery - landing on the conveyor belt," the terminal said.
"Terminal operations have not been impacted. Emergency teams remain vigilant, closing all gaps that might cause the risk of fire as the woodchips industry is still fighting the blaze."
