Transnet National Ports Authority has confirmed its plans to transfer its manganese export facility at the Port of Port Elizabeth to the neighbouring Port of Ngqura by October 2023, where the commodity will continue to serve as an important catalyst for economic growth and development.

As South Africa’s primary export corridor for manganese mined in the Northern Cape and exported across the globe the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will continue to cooperate with Transnet to attract greater manganese export volumes through Ngqura says Executive Mayor Athol Trollip.

He adds that the municipality will also work to minimise the potential negative impacts on livelihoods and convenience of the community.

Managing manganese dust emissions

Responding to recent public concern over manganese dust emissions, Port of Port Elizabeth Manager, Rajesh Dana, outlined a manganese management five-point plan formulated by Transnet.

Dana said the five-point plan would include the following:

• Reviewing controls with particular emphasis on dust suppression systems.
• The continued analysis and collation of data relating to air emissions and environmental impacts thereof, with appropriate remediation action.
• The establishment of a Hotline to register any public concerns around manganese, which Transnet will use to improve its operations. The telephone number is (041) 507 1910.
• Monthly meetings with manganese operators will continue to ensure the safe, secure and efficient export, and
• Quarterly public engagements with key stakeholders will be held to share information transparently.

“We do not dispute the fact that our manganese operation in Port of Port Elizabeth creates an inconvenience to port tenants and residents. However, as a responsible corporate citizen we have superior operational and compliance controls in place to mitigate these negative impacts,” Dana explains.

“Our independent scientific data confirms that the current operations do not pose any medical harm to the health of employees and residents,” he says.

Dana adds that Transnet will also continue to employ innovative technologies, seeking guidance from the International Manganese Institute to ensure its operations remained safe and efficient.