Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane joined the leadership of Transnet Port Terminals recently to celebrate the dawn of yet another economic milestone for the province as the Port of East London received its first export manganese call. The MV BBG Leader docked at the East London Multipurpose Terminal to load 30 000 metric tons.

The Port of East London, together with the Port Elizabeth port, stands as a testament to our ambitions in the Mineral Bulk sector, particularly for Manganese. It underlines our understanding that economic growth is multifaceted and interlinked. As we accelerate our efforts, it's crucial to recognize and appreciate our partners and stakeholders.” Premier Mabuyane said.

In preparation for this shipment Transnet Freight Rail delivered 16 manganese trains to the Port of East London terminal since July this year, with plans to fulfil 150 000 metric tons in the current financial year. Transnet is also exploring ramping up East London volumes to 500 000 metric tons from the 2024/2025 financial year.

Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a long term dedicated manganese facility in Ngqura with a capacity of 16 million tons. Currently, Transnet Freight rails export manganese from mines in the Northern Cape to the Port Elizabeth Bulk Terminal, the Saldanha Multipurpose Terminal and now the East London Terminal.

Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane lauded Transnet s infrastructure development in the province noting progress made in the implementation of the R9.1 billion Transnet infrastructure development projects in the Ports of Ngqurha, East London, and the Port of Gqeberha.

We have been vocal about the need for Transnet to significantly invest in the rail and port infrastructure of our province for some time because an adequate logistic system that includes road, rail, and ports is the lifeblood of any self-respecting nation. In the past few years, Transnet has heard our call for investment in our rail and ports”.

As a result of that massive investment, our provincial ports and rail infrastructure are being positioned to support critical provincial economic sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.” He said.

One of South Africa s top five mining companies that export manganese Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining is the first company to utilise the East London Multipurpose Terminal. The company s Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Lotlhare said, We pride ourselves in being part of this historic and significant milestone”.