Top opportunities over next five years identified

For project cargo logistics service providers, big is not always best. Smaller projects may require larger numbers of processing plants, crushers, mills, smelters, refinery modules, power equipment, heavy transformers, rail systems and other oversized equipment than mega developments. Among the top opportunities over the next five years have been identified as Simandou (Guinea), Lobito Refinery (Angola), Mingomba Copper (Zambia) and the wider Lobito Corridor industrialisation programme. The projects combine multibillion-dollar capex with long inland heavy-haul routes and recurring demand for oversized equipment imports. The $15-20 billion Simandou Iron Ore Expansion includes the transport of crushing plants, processing facilities, stacker reclaimers, heavy-haul rail systems, ship loaders and power generation equipment. It is described as the largest single infrastructure and mining investment in sub- Saharan Africa. Cargo is expected to be landed in the port of Morébaya on the Morébaya River in southern Guinea. A 650-kilometre railway will be built to link the port with the Simandou mountains, and the port will be configured to handle 120 million tons of ore a year. The $6.6bn Lobito Refinery project is designed to process 200 000 barrels a day. Construction has stalled due to funding constraints at around 23% completion. Sonangol intends retaining a 51% majority stake. Neighbouring countries including Zambia (which holds a 26% stake) and Botswana are reported to be negotiating for equity shares to ensure regional fuel security. Located in Zambia’s Copperbelt region near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Mingomba project is expected to produce more than 300 000 tons of copper a year at full capacity. KoBold Metals has officially broken ground on the mine. Production is targeted for the early 2030s, with major construction expected to accelerate after shaft sinking begins. Backed by high-profile investors including Bill Gates and Sam Altman, KoBold says it is deploying artificial intelligence to accelerate exploration and development timelines in a sector traditionally defined by long lead times and high geological uncertainty. In South Africa, the platinum group metals sector is undergoing a $20bn-plus expansion at Sibanye-Stillwater, Tharisa and Eastern Platinum as mature open-pit operations move to underground mining. ER