Mozambique Coal Logistics: Government negotiates re-launch of coal transport with Vale at Sena line, offer protection

The government of Mozambique is negotiating with mining company Vale Mozambique to restart the transport of coal mined in Moatize, Tete province, along the Sena Railway, said the Minister of Transport and Communications.

Carlos Mesquita also said there had been a meeting in Mozambique with representatives of Brazilian group Vale, of which Vale Mocambique is a 95% subsidiary, and gave assurances that the Defence and Security Forces would be involved, which will ensure protection and allow railway operations to resume.

Vale Mocambique decided to suspend coal shipment to the port of Beira for about two months, following attacks against rail cars, resulting in some minor injuries.

The Sena line, which is 357 kilometres long, links the port of Beira, via Dondo, to Malawi, and also has a branchline to Inhamitanga/Marromeu (88 kilometres) and the Dona Ana/Moatize section (254 kilometres), making up the backbone of the central region of Mozambique and the Zambezi valley in particular.

The minister, quoted by Voice of America, said that the stoppage of coal trains is causing losses to Mozambique’s state port and rail company CFM estimated at around US$50 million. (source: macauhub-MZ)