The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), through the Port of Walvis Bay has facilitated the export of 48,000 tonnes of bulk coal destined for Germany, its biggest consignment to date.
Namport projects to handle 300,000 tonnes of bulk coal destined to different international markets within the next 12 months due to increased demand for the fossil fuel, including Germany as it seeks to wean off its dependence on Russian energy sources.
“These types of volumes handled at the Port of Walvis Bay indeed bears testimony to the unrelenting marketing and business development efforts that the Port is pursuing vigorously, but more so due to the clients’ confidence in the Port’s ability to handle their cargo safely and efficiently,” Namport’s Business Development Partner Tautinge Festus said.
The Germany consignment comes after the port earlier in the year facilitated the export of 30,000 tonnes originating from Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe to various international markets.
Meanwhile 54,719 tonnes of Lithium destined for China were exported via the same port.
The mineral is being mined at the Xingfeng Investment’s Lithium Mine in Omaruru, Erongo Region.
Lithium concentrate is used in the production of batteries, glass, greases and air treatment.
According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, “the overall market for lithium is currently at 200,000 tonnes and estimates a growth in demand of 800,000 tonnes by 2025”.
The batteries segment is forecasted to grow to 65-70%.
Currently the major lithium producing areas of the world are Western Australia (for hard rock) and South America (for brine) and much of this ends up in China for further processing into battery grade lithium chemicals.
The Port of Walvis Bay currently houses two bulk handling facilities, namely: Walvis Bay Bulk Terminal and the Bigen Kuumba Port Services Terminal, which play significant roles in the handling of this product and similar bulk commodities.
