Transnet is gearing up for the commissioning of a new multimillion rand plant in May 2011 that will provide the extra water resources required to control red iron ore dust at its Saldanha bulk terminal, which is located within a water scare area. The R70 million reverse osmosis (RO) plant will supplement potable water already being obtained from the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) of the Western Cape, where most water is pumped from surrounding dams. Around 36 000 kilolitres of water is required each month to spray iron ore stockpiles once a week and transfer points daily in the terminal using sprinkler cannon systems. This helps contain the dust which is inclined to blow excessively to areas outside the terminal. Karl Socikwa, chief executive of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), said the new plant, which is approaching the end of its construction, would enable increased spraying for better dust mitigation at the terminal, which exported 45 million tons of iron ore in 2010/11.
Transnet's dust-busting plan for Port of Saldanha
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