The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has inaugurated its new Slab 8, a US$6.9 million investment that will boost the Port of Maputo’s capacity for bulk minerals handling. The new 3-hectare hardstanding increases the port’s capacity for bulk minerals (excluding coal and magnetite) to 12.4 million tons.
The slab has a dedicated weighbridge (out of a total of 18 weighbridges at the port) and includes additional investment in equipment (4 payloaders) and additional staff (new hires for tally clerks and machine operators).
“There is an additional demand in the market of 4 million tons of minerals. This new slab that will accommodate 1.2 million tons a year is already fully occupied by our customers, so we continue to implement initiatives to increase efficiency and, with it, handling,” says MPDC’s Commercial Director, Neusa Saranga.
Although there continues to be great demand for the Port of Maputo for cargoes such as chrome and ferrochrome, in the last two years the port has begun to diversify and handle cargoes such as vanadium, lithium, vermiculite and timber.
By the end 2023, MPDC estimates the Port of Maputo will reach a 30 million ton annual throughput.
Source: MPDC