With continuing demand from power stations around the world for thermal coal, CIC Energy is pursuing the opportunity to export seaborne traded A grade steam coal from the M2 (lower) coal seams of the of its Mmamabula Coal Field in Botswana. 

Key elements of the Export Coal Project include:

• Dedicated mines with multi-product (double stage) beneficiation plants, as well as a rapid rail load-out, envisaged to be built at the Mmamabula site.
   
• An approximately 1,500 kilometer Trans Kalahari rail line (TKR), constructed by a transportation consortium that could include CIC Energy. Currently, the preferred rail route is to the west coast of southern Africa, through Botswana to a Namibian port.
   
• At the Namibian coast, a coal terminal and loading facility is envisaged to be built to be able to load large ocean going vessels at a high rate to minimize demurrage cost.

Pre-feasibility studies on the mines, washing plants, rail, coal terminal and port were completed in 2008 by MRN Runge, DRA, Aurecon and CIC Energy’s mining team. 

During 2010 the governments of Botswana and Namibia are working together on feasibility study on the TKR project.  Also, discussions are underway with coal producers in the region and other parties interested in participating as joint venture partners in the preparation of a bankable feasibility study for the TKR project.

- May 2010 -