Mozambique: Export of Chibuto heavy sands via Chongoene port to begin soon

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Mozambique: Export of Chibuto heavy sands via Chongoene port to begin soon

5:00 CAT | 08 Feb 2024

File photo: O Económico

Export of heavy sands from Chibuto could begin in the first half of this year, with the completion and subsequent entry into activities of Chongoene Port in Gaza, which will be used for docking vessels.

“The works are taking place according to the schedule initially outlined, which leads us to conclude that heavy sand export operations could commence by the end of the first quarter of next year,” Chongoene administrator Artur Macamo highlighted in an interview with ‘Noticias’.

The construction of Chongoene port arose from the need to find a more flexible and profitable way of exporting heavy sands from Chibuto, avoiding the high costs of road transport to the Port of Maputo and thereafter the foreign market.

The works, valued at more than US$300 million (19.2 billion meticais), are being financed by Chinese-capital Dingsheng Minerals.

Chongoene Port, designed to receive vessels of up to 5,000 tons, is being equipped with three cranes, two with the capacity to handle 45 tons each, and a smaller one, 25.

In the initial phase, 20,000 tons of cargo will be shipped per day, a volume that is expected to increase to 40,000 tons of a day by 2025.

In addition to the ores extracted in Chibuto, Chongoene Port will also in the future serve as an export gateway for heavy sands from Chongoene and Mandlakazi, where extraction is expected to begin soon.

Unloading and storage of heavy sand for subsequent export were due to begin in December, according to Chongoene administrator Artur Macamo.
The infrastructure implementation works comprised two phases, the first of which consisted of the construction of the logistics base (warehouses, dormitories and offices) and the next stage, now underway, in the construction of the quay.

“The work is proceeding smoothly, and with regard to the support infrastructure, I am referring to the warehouses, the construction of one has already been completed, and the work on the other is 80% complete,” Macamo explained.

Macamo is convinced that the entry into operation of the dock will boost the development of Chongoene district, with the creation of business opportunities, among other benefits falling within the scope of social and corporate responsibility.

He also gave assurances that around 100 families, who were affected by the widening and subsequent asphalting of the road between the district headquarters and Chongoene beach, had already received compensation.

Source: O Económico