The export of heavy sands from Chibuto is about to become a reality, with the completion of the Chongoene dock in Gaza. Operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant milestone for the local industry.
Artur Macamo, Chongoene’s administrator, told “Notícias” that the works are on schedule, and that the dock will be operational by the end of the first quarter of next year.
The construction of the Chongoene dock, financed by the Chinese company Dingcheng Minerais, SA, with an investment of more than US$300 million (19.2 billion meticais), aims to offer a flexible and economically viable solution for the export of heavy sands from Chibuto. This will eliminate the high costs of transport by road to the Port of Maputo, providing a direct connection to the foreign market.
The new dock, designed to receive vessels of up to 5,000 tonnes, is being equipped with three cranes, two of which can handle 45 tonnes each and a smaller one of 25 tonnes. In the initial phase, the expectation is to ship 20,000 tonnes a day, with plans to increase this to 40,000 tonnes by 2025.
As well as being used to transport ores from Chibuto, the dock will be a crucial starting point for the heavy sands from Chongoene and Mandlakazi, which are scheduled to be exploited soon.
The unloading and storage of the heavy sands will begin this month, according to the Chongoene administrator. The infrastructure works were carried out in two phases, with the construction of the logistics base, including warehouses, dormitories and offices, already completed.
Macamo expressed confidence that the operation of the dock will boost the development of the Chongoene district, generating business opportunities and benefiting the community in terms of social and corporate responsibility. He assured that approximately 100 families affected by the road expansion and paving works have already received their due compensation. This milestone will not only boost local industry, but will also contribute to sustainable economic growth in the region.
