Junior phosphate rock producer Kropz Plc, Century City, South Africa, reported on May 25 that its Elandsfontein Phosphate Rock Project in South Africa remains on track and within the original projected capital budget for commissioning in fourth-quarter 2021. However, the company is now facing higher costs in getting its product to an export port.
Kropz said it has been informed by Transnet, the country’s major transportation company, that there is no capacity for the Kropz product at the Port of Saldanha. Instead, Transnet has found an alternative solution for at least part of the product through the Port of Cape Town, though at a higher cost due to the greater travel distance. Kropz said it continues to investigate all possible solutions and that discussions with Transnet continue.
In the meantime, Kropz also provided an update on its Hinda Phosphate Rock Project in the Republic of the Congo. Hatch Africa (Pty) Ltd. was appointed in February to complete an updated feasibility study, which is on track to be completed in September 2021.