Transport opportunities will continue despite lower demand

The mining industry remains an important sector for South African road freight companies servicing Zimbabwe and Zambia. That’s according to Interlogix, a shipping and road freight company with specific focus on miningrelated business. “The opening of two mines – the Luanshya Mine in Zambia and Kakanda Mine in the DRC – was a definite highlight in 2008 as it meant greater volumes of cargo were available for transport on both the north and south routes,” said Interlogix’s John McGill. “With our main cargo being mining-orientated including machinery, chemicals and infrastructure-related items, we believe there is much opportunity in the mining sector for road freight companies.” But, said McGill, with the current economic crisis and the fall in the value of minerals globally, there could be a tough time ahead in 2009. “I would be hesitant to comment at the moment on the outlook for the next year. A fall in the value of minerals could mean a slowdown in terms of development of any new mine infrastructure as well as the availability of mining ore to return to South Africa.” He said with farming being what it has been in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, the traditional return loads of cotton and tobacco are expected to be lower, which would see an increase in demand for mining ore to be transported back to South Africa. Interlogix, however, believes as the economy in Zambia and the DRC depends largely on mining, opportunities will still be available. “A global slowdown would obviously influence all sectors which would have an impact on general cargo as well.” But McGill said Interlogix was optimistic that it could weather the global economic situation. “Based in Durban we opened a branch in Johannesburg earlier this year. We can service a variety of clients and offer transport into Zimbabwe, Zambia, DRC, Botswana, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania on the road freight route, while the Durban office can arrange sea freight to almost any destination, tailor-made to the client’s requirements.”