As part of its vision to deliver continuous innovation in offering sustainable and efficient logistics solutions to its clients, Newlyn has, together with global OEMs Eurosilo and Bruks Siwertell, developed proprietary technology for what will become the world’s first near-zero dust emissions mineral ore back-of-port export terminal with superior operating efficiencies.
Open stockpiling of manganese in the Port of Port Elizabeth and in back-of-port facilities in Markman and Ngqura has created significant issues. Apart from the serious public health and environmental concerns, the enormous impact of these increased volumes on the region’s already burdened infrastructure, roads, traffic, tourism and ecosystems is immeasurable. It has, for example, resulted in expensive and inefficient watering to reduce dust storms over the popular Kings Beach, while also stymieing attempts to create a tourist-friendly waterfront around the small boats harbour within the port.
Transnet intends moving the manganese bulk export terminal to the Port of Ngqura within the Coega SEZ, 20 km to the north of the city of Gqeberha. Newlyn’s proposed back-of-port solution for manganese in Coega will perfectly dovetail with Transnet’s proposed plans. It will serve to accelerate the relocation of manganese exports from Gqeberha to Ngqura and is designed to augment Transnet’s proposed manganese export terminal in Ngqura to ensure a sustainable solution is offered to the manganese miners.
The Newlyn design is first-in-the-world for export of mineral ore and has a footprint of one third of conventional back-of-port storage.
Closed design
The Newlyn design for the back-of-port storage and handling of mineral ore is entirely closed to the environment, hence near-zero dust emissions and associated product losses.
The efficient design involves rapid unloading of the train and movement of manganese via piped conveyor to specialised silos which are equipped with mechanical systems for soft handling of ore. Thereafter, ore is accurately discharged from the silos via pipe conveyors to the ship-loaders at a loading rate of up to 10 000 tons per hour. As a result, ship-loading can be achieved in less than a day compared to the current 5-6 days. This significantly reduces demurrage for miners, improves train turnaround times and most importantly will serve to debottleneck the existing heavy-haul rail line from the Northern Cape. Incremental rail capacity created by the system can be made available to emerging miners currently unable to secure sufficient rail export allocations for manganese.
The Newlyn design is first-in-the-world for export of mineral ore and has a footprint of one third of conventional back-of-port storage.
Meeting national objectives
Simulation models have demonstrated that Newlyn’s project can coexist with Transnet’s planned manganese export terminal, to ensure that export logistics infrastructure can meet the forecasted export potential from South African miners.
The project will address several objectives in the national strategic and economic interest of South Africa including:
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- Cargo migration from road to rail;
- Technology and skills transfer of the best available global technology;
- Private sector participation in infrastructure development;
- Enabling market access for emerging manganese miners;
- Stimulating regional and provincial socio-economic development; and
- Delivering environmentally sustainable solutions to communities.
The project has received overwhelming support from manganese miners and environmental NGOs.
Newlyn is planning a similar project in Saldanha to address environmental challenges and efficiencies associated with iron ore and manganese back-of-port operations there.
About the Newlyn Group
Developers of transformational logistics and storage infrastructure
The Newlyn Group was established in 1996 to engage in opportunities for black participation within the port logistics sector, a sector which previously excluded people of colour.
Initially, Newlyn targeted potentially prime industrial properties and created value by rejuvenating ageing infrastructure.
Today, Newlyn is a leading private developer of land close to or within port precincts along strategic high-value/volume trade corridors. Newlyn adopts an innovative design approach transforming these land parcels into highly-efficient logistics facilities that offer bespoke solutions to leading multinational and national clients. Newlyn’s tried and trusted design approach and in-house construction capabilities and equipment ensures a bespoke solution that enhances our clients’ businesses.
Newlyn’s growth is driven by a highly credible team of experts with over 150 years of cumulative experience at the highest level. Newlyn is a proudly South African, homegrown Level One BBBEE entity committed to investing in South Africa for the long term. The Newlyn Group’s current developed portfolio includes 26 properties in three provinces with a GLA of c. 1 300 000 square metres and a land bank of c. 1 700 000 square metres. Newlyn’s portfolio includes some of the most sophisticated storage facilities on the continent with landmark developments including Africa’s largest multimodal rail terminal in Bayhead, Durban, a specialised sulphur import facility in Richards Bay and a state-of-the-art chemicals storage facility in Durban.
Newlyn’s macro vision is to make South African businesses more competitive by reducing the cost of logistics through the development of more efficient and environmentally sustainable logistics infrastructure solutions.
Contact Info:
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- Tel: +27 31 313 6500
- Firdhose Coovadia: Chief Value Officer | firdhosec@newlyngroup.com
- Sagie Chetty: Group Engineer | sagiec@newlyngroup.com
- Website: https://newlyngroup.com
