South Africa has an abundance of coal reserves, but the coal mining sector’s competitiveness requires an efficient logistical network to move coal from mine to market.
While the industry has faced significant challenges with regard to rail reliability, infrastructure security concerns and port constraints, performance in the sector is improving and collaboration is strengthening.
This was noted by Seriti Resources COO Raymond Makgota during a panel discussion at this year’s Coal and Energy Transition Day, held on July 22.
During the discussion, State-owned Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) coal business unit GM Theo Johnson outlined the progress made on improving the coal corridor.
Johnson noted that TFR had seen a major reduction in security incidents on the line, with up to a 50% reduction year-on-year in security incidents and a 35% increase in locomotive availability.
