New coal sampling laboratory launched
RBCT plans to improve operations by establishing a new sampling laboratory.
THE construction of a new coal sampling laboratory is underway at Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT).
RBCT’s executives hosted a sod turning ceremony on Tuesday, where they highlighted the importance of this new development.
The project is expected to be complete by May next year at an estimated cost of R50-million.
A specifically designed technical projects team was recruited internally to manage the facility.
Overseeing this was RBCT’s General Manager for Maintenance, Kubendren Naidoo, who said, ‘Besides supporting efficient laboratory operations and workflow, the new building will increase the throughput capacity of the current laboratory from 91Mt to 120Mt per annum, facilitated by a 60% increase of physical space.
The overall efficiency will increase by 25% and it will be achieved in the coal preparation, analysis and certification areas.’
He noted that the architectural design of the new laboratory will sustain the organisation’s world class status, and therefore positively impact global buy-in.
The need for the new laboratory was identified after management noticed the limitations placed on operational efficiencies.
Although the coal terminal suffered a few mishaps last year, they expect to export at least 74 million tons of coal this year.
