RBCT expansion delayed yet again

The $153 million expansion of Richards Bay Coal Terminal will
not now be completed until the fourth quarter of this year.  The
Phase V development of the terminal was originally slated for
completion by early July.  According to chief operations officer
Raymond Chirwa, part of the problem is the need to ensure that
the terminal computer system is fully integrated.  
Earlier this year, Chirwa had promised that the terminal would
open on 1 July, after the developers missed the original April
deadline.  
   The delay is having a negative impact on exporters, many of
whom have invested heavily to boost production.  Several
commentators have warned that there could be further delay
given the inadequate capacity on the rail link to the port.
The aim of Phase V is to increase capacity from 72mt (million
tonnes) to 91mt.  This will make RBCT the largest coal terminal
in the world.  It already accounts for 25% for all coal burnt at
European electricity generating stations.  
Nevertheless, South African coal exports are in decline.  They
peaked in 2005, when Richards Bay exported 69.2mt.  In 2007,