September 07, 2008

RBCT coal export unaffected by power shortage

Mr Kuseni Dlamini CEO of South Africa's coal producer Richards Bay Coal Terminal said that its coal exports have not yet been affected by power outages that have hit mines.

He said that "Our operations are ongoing and we do not have a problem as yet. Our stockpiles were very low at the end of December 2007 but it has been gradually picking up. Although some mines had stopped production, backlogged supplies were still flowing to the terminal.”

Meanwhile, Anglo Coal said that a severe power shortage had forced them to shut down mines. Anglo Coal said that only it affected its exporting operations and domestic clients would not be affected.

Mr Pranill Ramchander spokesman of Anglo Coal said that "All of Anglo Coal South Africa export collieries have been closed due to the emergency power crisis. Our Eskom and Sasol supplying collieries are operating as normal."

He added that state power utility Eskom had given no clear indication about when the mine's power supplies would return to normal.