Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) announced on Wednesday that Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal in the Western Cape, which is Africa's largest iron ore export facility, has completed its R4 billion infrastructure expansion project.
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Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has reached a major milestone in its efforts to strengthen South Africa's export infrastructure after completing a R4 billion expansion project at the Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal, Africa's largest iron ore export facility.
The state-owned logistics operator announced on Wednesday that testing and commissioning activities have commenced on a new tippler installation, marking the completion of one of the most significant infrastructure investments undertaken at the terminal in recent years.
The project forms part of Transnet’s broader Reinvent for Growth strategy, which seeks to modernise ageing infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and increase export capacity across the country's ports and freight network.
At the heart of the expansion is the installation of a new tippler, a specialised industrial machine used to unload iron ore from rail wagons. The facility plays a critical role in the movement of iron ore from mining operations in the Northern Cape to international markets through the Port of Saldanha.
However, Transnet said the project extended far beyond the installation of the tippler itself and included substantial supporting infrastructure designed to integrate the new equipment into the terminal's operations.
The investment included the construction of a new Eskom substation, a 1.7-kilometre conveyor system, heavy-haul rail infrastructure, conveyor tunnels, road bridges, gantry cranes, fibre-optic networks, high-mast lighting and associated power systems.
Environmental management also formed a key component of the project, with dust suppression and mitigation systems incorporated to reduce the environmental impact of iron ore handling activities at the terminal.
The completion of the project coincides with a significant milestone for the facility, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Since loading its first iron ore shipment in 1976, the Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal has grown into one of South Africa's most strategic export assets. The terminal handles approximately 96% of the country's iron ore exports, making it a vital link in the mining sector's export value chain.
Over five decades of operation, the terminal is estimated to have facilitated the export of approximately 1.3 billion tons of iron ore, contributing significantly to South Africa's foreign exchange earnings and mining industry growth.
TPT CEO Jabu Mdaki said the completion of testing and commissioning represented an important achievement for both the terminal and the wider Transnet group.
“As TPT celebrates 50 years of the Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal, it is fitting that TPT does so while advancing one of the most significant infrastructure investments undertaken at the terminal and positioning this strategic export corridor for the future,” Mdaki said.
TPT said that beyond the infrastructure investment itself, the project is expected to generate broader economic benefits across the iron ore export value chain.
“The installation of the new tippler achieved an estimated contribution of 45% in local content across various work packages and supported about 1,500 jobs during peak construction activities.”
TPT added that the celebratory event was attended by the Transnet board and executive members, customers, government representatives, industry stakeholders, and project partners, who all gathered to mark the occasion.
“Commissioning will be concluded in the next two months, and the tippler is expected to be handed over to operations in September 2026.”
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