With reference to Point number 5 below MyPE can report that the first engagement with key stakeholders took place on Tuesday 1 February 2018 at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club in the Port of Port Elizabeth.
Discussions were ‘robust, fruitful and engaging’ with TNPA actively seeking solutions to the manganese ore dust problem from stakeholders. Suggestions ranged from increased damping, to moving immediately to simple ideas such as large ‘shadecloth type nets’ covering the open holds of ships whilst delivery takes place. ABYC Commodore Alan Straton has ‘apparently’ asserted his rights to patent the shadecloth net idea, though….
Increased speed of reporting has been introduced with a WhatsApp Manganese Ore group between key stakeholders in addition to the public hotline number – (041) 507 1910. The Port of Port Elizabeth Port Manager, Rajesh Dana has committed TNPA to stopping operations immediately a concern over dust pollution is raised.
The planned move to a larger and more environmentally friendly facility in Nqura was welcomed not only for the relief that it would give the city but for the expected larger economic benefits that wold accrue to the city and South Africa from a larger throughput in exports.
Writing in the Ports SA External Newsletter TNPA said:
Transnet’s manganese export facility at the Port of Port Elizabeth will be transferred 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.
Nelson Mandela Bay is South Africa’s primary export corridor for manganese mined in the Northern Cape and exported across the globe.
Port of Port Elizabeth Manager, Rajesh Dana, outlined a manganese management five-point plan formulated by Transnet SOC LTD to better control manganese dust emissions.
“We do not dispute the fact that our manganese operation in the 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. Our independent scientific data confirms that the current operations do not pose any medical harm to the health of employees and residents,” he said.
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.
Dana said Transnet would also continue to employ innovative technologies, seeking guidance from the International Manganese Institute to ensure its operations remained safe and efficient. Manganese is an important contributor to the national economy including the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, creating large-scale employment and contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings for South Africa’s development.
Alan Straton
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