Richards Bay Coal Terminal, Coal export terminal in Richards Bay, South Africa

The Richards Bay Coal Terminal occupies a 276-hectare site on the Die Duine peninsula, south of the lagoon that forms Richards Bay harbour. Its quay runs 2.2 kilometres along the water, with six berths and four ship loaders, one rated at 11,000 tonnes per hour. Storage holds 8.2 million tonnes of coal, moved by seven stacker reclaimers and 58 kilometres of conveyor belts.

Development began in the late 1960s as part of industrial expansion plans, and operations commenced in 1976. This facility transformed Richards Bay into a major shipping hub for commodity trade.

The terminal is owned by ten companies, including Anglo Operations, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa, Sasol Mining and Exxaro Coal. Its quay runs 2.2 km with six berths and four ship loaders, and 58 km of conveyor belts 2.5 m wide move coal at 22 km/h. In October 2012 it received 694 trains and loaded 53 ships.

The site is accessible by car and offers a view of industrial port operations for those interested in such facilities. Visitors should check in advance whether tours are available, since this is an active working environment.

In September 2006 the terminal loaded 409,809 tonnes of coal in 24 hours, an annualised rate of 149.17 million tonnes. The site covers 276 hectares, with a 2.2 km quay, six berths and four ship loaders, and 58 km of conveyor belts 2.5 m wide running at 22 km/h. In October 2012 it received 694 trains and loaded 53 ships.