Transnet Freight Rail, a division of state owned logistics and transport group Transnet, delivered just over 500,000 tonnes more coal to Richards Bay Coal Terminal in July 2012 than in June 2012. Data released by RBCT showed that some 6.07 million tonnes was delivered to RBCT in July 2012 as compared to 5.48 million tonnes in June 2012.

The terminal shipped 6.28 million tonnes of coal in July 2012 as compared to 5.45 million tonnes in June 2012, a 15% improvement. Coal stocks at the terminal fell to 2.85 million tonnes at the end of July 2012 from 2.91 million tonnes in June 2012. The annualized shipped rate from RBCT increased to 65.7 million tonnes from 64.3 million tonnes in June 2012.

Despite the MoM improvement in deliveries, however, the tonnage falls short of forecasts by TFR CEO Mr Siyabonga Gama, who said 7.7 million tonnes in deliveries for July 2012 was the target.

Mr Gama had been speaking at the annual results of Transnet. Annualized deliveries to the terminal increased to 67 million tonnes following a 10 day maintenance shutdown in May and June 2012. TFR is aiming for full year total deliveries to RBCT of 73 million tonnes to 75 million tonnes. Transnet's year end concludes March 31st 2013.

Some 777 trains made the journey to Richards Bay in July 2012 compared to 725 trains in June 2012. Meanwhile, coal prices at Richards Bay increased to their highest level in more than four months. Coal for immediate delivery increased USD 2.90 per tonne or 3.4% to USD 88.52 per tonne FOB. This represents the highest level in coal prices from RBCT since July 6th 2012.

Source - www.miningmx.com

(www.coalguru.com)