Morupule Colliery announced this week that that it has secured a contract to supply coal to the Nampower Van Eck Power Station in Windhoek, Namibia.
The contract is for the supply of 60 000 tonnes of grade A peas during 2012 and was awarded through a Namibian company which the Morupule has partnered with for the purposes of the transaction. In a press statement, Morupule Colliery says previously Nampower was supplied with all its requirements from South Africa.
“Supplies to Namibia commenced on 20th June and deliveries have progressed well. In addition, we have instigated additional production and loading shifts as well rigid operational, safety, health and environmental standards in order to ensure we meet our contractual obligations,” the statement said.
The general manager of the mine, Albert Milton is quoted as saying: “This transaction goes to prove MCM’s coal is now highly competitive from both a cost and quality perspective compared to traditionally preferred coal suppliers in the sub region, which is further evidenced by our recent but limited entry into the South African market.”
He added: “It is our sincere belief that through this deal, greater opportunities will present themselves for Botswana coal in the SADC and international markets and we are well poised to meet these opportunities. Botswana as a country has excellent and abundant coal resources that can be tapped to diversify the economy and ease the pressure of our nation’s reliance diamonds.”
Morupule Coal Mine is a 100 percent Debswana coal mining operation. The mine is undergoing expansion for stepped up coal production. The entry into Namibian market calls for the speedy construction of the Trans-Kalahari Railway line which is in the offing.
