Skiptainers could reduce costs for junior miners

A relatively low-cost skiptainer
handling system being pioneered
in the port of East London for
coal exports could help junior
miners elsewhere in the country
reduce logistics costs.
The open-topped containers –
made in Uitenhage by Transnet
subsidiary TRE – are designed to be
offloaded using rotating spreaders.
According to Khetho Nyawose,
the newly appointed terminal
manager for the East London
multi-purpose terminal, the system
has proven to be environmentally
friendly and reliable in the port of
Adelaide, Australia.
Dust levels are kept to a minimum
because the product is loaded well
below the lip of the containers,
which are carried at a relatively low
speed by rail. Furthermore, a mist
spray dust suppression system will
be used to eliminate any dust that
might escape from the hull of the
vessel.
The containers are stacked on top
of each other ahead of the arrival of
the vessel. Discharge into the vessel
takes place deep in the hold, further
reducing emissions. Water spray is
also used to dampen any dust.
“The system is less capital
intensive than others in use, and we
believe it will help the junior miners
become more competitive.”