In December, the port of Nacala, in Mozambique, will begin exporting coal extracted in Tete (Nampula province). Trains of 1,500 metres long, consisting of up to 120 wagons and pulled by four locomotives, will shift coal from the mine to the port. This is requiring the acquisition of fleet of 80 locomotives to ensure regular coal supplies.
The line, which is under construction, will be available for use by any of the Tete province coal producers. Forecasts suggest that 11mt (million tonnes) of coal will be transported in 2015, rising to 13mt in 2016 and 18mt by 2017. In total, Nacala port will be able to stockpile 1.45mt of coal.
BC