Staking a claim at Africa’s top coal export terminal

Canyon Coal’s acquisition of Kangra from Madrid-listed Gas Natural Fenosa brought with it a 1.93% shareholding in the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), making Canyon one of only 13 shareholders in RBCT.

The shareholding entitles Canyon to export up to 1.6 million tons of coal through the terminal per annum.

Canyon’s executive chairman Vuslat Bayoglu says the company RBCT’s stake was indicative of the company’s growth trajectory.“Becoming one of thirteen shareholders in RBCT indicates that we are moving in the right direction to become a major coal company and will support our competitiveness in the coal export market,” he states.

RBCT is one of the largest coal export terminals in the world, which is why the shareholding provides Canyon with strategically important access to the terminal.

Opened in 1976 with an original capacity of 12 million tons per annum, it has grown into an advanced 24-hour operation with a design capacity of 91 million tons per annum.

Positioned at one of the world’s deep sea ports, RBCT is able to handle large ships and subsequent large volumes. As such, it has gained a reputation for operating efficiently and reliably. The 276 hectares site currently boasts a quay 2.2 km long with six berths and four ship loaders, with stockyard capacity of 8.2 million tons.

RBCT shares a strong cooperative relationship with South Africa’s national utility, Transnet, which provides the railway services linking the coal mines to the port, and the shipping coordination of more than 900 ships per annum.

“We hope to make a contribution towards RBCT’s growth to support the country’s mining industry,” Vuslat says.