Report on Coega rail upgrade released for public comment

Warning:

This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.

Read the article

The Draft Basic Assessment Report on the upgrading of the railway line between the Northern Cape and Port of Ngqura and the Coega Industrial Development Zone has been released for public comment.

Transnet intends to expand the capacity of the export corridor for manganese from the Northern Cape to 16 million tons a year.

The work involves the extension of several existing rail loops in the Eastern and Northern Cape and two new loops in the Northern Cape.

Environmental authorisation was issued on the basis of an exporting capacity of 12 million tons a year, but based on the increased demand for manganese ore, the mining industry has indicated the need for an increased export capacity of 16 million tons a year.

It is estimated that the proposed expansion of the railway line will create approximately 570 employment opportunities.