Name of the Project
Grootegeluk rapid load-out station project.

Location
Limpopo, South Africa.

Client
Exxaro Resources.

Project Description
The Grootegeluk Exxaro opencast coal mine, in Lephalale, is forecasting a number of growth opportunities in product export volumes in the next five years. Subsequently, an upgrade to the current rail siding loading facilities will be required.

The project is a strategic project that allows for growth and future projects at Grootegeluk.

To load an additional 12-million tonnes a year and comply with the latest Transnet Freight Rail strategy to accommodate a 200-wagon train will necessitate the complete upgrade of rail and associated infrastructure.

The product beds, conveyors, transfer stations and load-out station will be designed to load various types of product from across the plant area and will vary from export to domestic products.

The new train load-out facilities include the upgrade of the current siding with an extra loop that will be fed by a new 3 500 t rapid load-out station silo.

The scope of work comprises a bulk materials handling area and the rail loop area.

Potential Job Creation
The Exxaro project team comprises 50 people and the contractors comprise an estimated 850 people for the duration of the project.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a net present value of R299-million and an internal rate of return of 18%.

Value
The project will be developed at an estimated cost of R1.33-billion.

Duration
Construction started in Novemver 2016 and commissioning is expected in the third quarter of 2019.

Latest Developments
The project is under construction.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
R&H Rail (detailed engineering for rail loop area); Hatch Goba (detailed engineering for bulk materials handling area); Virtuoso (early works construction); Murray & Roberts (rail civil and plate-laying construction).

On Budget and on Time?
Project is still in the construction phase.

Contact Details for Project Information
Exxaro Resources executive head: strategy and stakeholder engagement Mzila Mthenjane, tel +27 12 307 7393 or email investorrelations@exxaro.com.