Menar positioned to increase participation in port terminals business 

Private investment company Menar, which has a strong focus on mining, has joined the International Dry Bulk Terminals Group (DBTG) as an Associate Member. This is part of Menar’s mission to expand into mega logistics value chains. 

DBTG is an international association for all dry bulk handlers and terminals with a focus on   creating a platform to share best practice on dry bulk operations, technical expertise, systems, safety and environment. The association also offers networking and benchmarking amongst members.

Menar has a controlling interest in Canyon Coal, which operates collieries and processing plants in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces; Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) in KwaZulu-Natal; Kangra in Mpumalanga and Sitatunga’s East Manganese in the Northern Cape. 

The Menar Group has over 3 500 employees including contractors. The company plans to grow exponentially over the coming years as it invests in the development of new mines, diversifies its portfolio and seek opportunities in bulk commodity and logistics projects. 

“At Menar we strive for the continuous improvement of our assets and their operational performance, including sustainability,” says Menar MD Vuslat Bayoglu. “We are also actively looking for new investment opportunities. We strongly believe dry bulk commodity logistics complements our investment portfolio.”

Menar’s current exposure to bulk commodity logistics is through a minority stake held by Kangra in the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). Bayoglu serves on the board of RBCT.  

Bayoglu explains further Menar’s decision to join DBTG. “We see ourselves as becoming a fully integrated mining and logistics company that not only mines, but that can provide a ‘pit to port’ offering.” 

He believes that in order to achieve this, it is crucial to increase exposure to the terminal business and there is no better way than by learning about the operational aspects from global terminal industry leaders. 

“There are increasing opportunities in South Africa and across the African continent to own, develop and operate strategic logistics assets, such as port terminals, rail systems and vessels, in long-term partnerships serving the commodities industry. We look forward to working with DBTG members to unlock the potential that exists in this sector,” Bayoglu concludes.

Dry Bulk Terminals Regional Director for Southern Africa, Amanda  Siyengo welcomed Menar’s decision to join the association. “We are excited to have Menar joining the association and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship,” says Siyengo.