17 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2025 damage sustained by the Transnet ship loader and the resulting four-month outage. On 31 May 2024, while loading the M/V Opera White for a Japanese customer, a vessel passing at high speed caused a surge at the MW8 berth. The resulting movement pushed Opera White toward the MW7 berth, where its open hatch covers collided with the ship loader boom, causing severe structural damage. The damage was such that the loader could not be operated safely requiring extensive repairs. With the ship loader out of commission and the storage shed reaching capacity, all production activities were halted from 20 June 2024. During this period, mill management seized the opportunity to complete deferred maintenance work. In this time, NCT pushed hard to persuade both our customers and the port to permit a manual loading regime, whereby wood chips could be loaded by crane from the grounds in front of the shed. Unfortunately, our customers, being concerned about the threat of contamination from the surrounds, which included coal being stored close by, were not prepared to accept the risks. Following comprehensive repairs by Transnet and their contractors, the loader was fully restored and returned to service on 3 October 2024. The loader has since performed reliably, requiring only minor maintenance. Transnet has also implemented enhanced safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Sustainable Mill Operations and Waste Management The mills receive timber that is pre-treated and debarked at source, reducing the need for further processing and resulting in high-quality wood chips suitable for pulp production. Material is transferred efficiently from mill to vessel using a conveyor system. Any remaining production loss is managed and redirected for sustainable agricultural or renewable energy use. DWC maintained a zero-emission chipping operation throughout the year, contributing to a minimal environmental footprint. This is achieved through electric-based operations and efficient, clean systems that eliminate fossil-fuel emissions during the chipping process. In terms of waste management, wood waste at DWC is generally not utilised and is disposed of via Durban Solid Waste (DSW) to a registered landfill site. However, when occasional requests are received for gasifier feedstock, these are accommodated. At the Richards Bay Mill Complex, waste is managed more sustainably. A partnership with local farmers facilitates the regular removal and recording of fines and bark residues, which are then used as organic mulch for agricultural crops. Additionally, all production residue is stored for either agricultural reuse or repurposed for lower-grade woody biomass in renewable energy applications. In summary, 2024/2025 was a landmark year for DWC and the Richards Bay Mill Complex. Strategic planning, infrastructure upgrades, sustainable practices, and strong leadership allowed the operations to overcome adversity and exceed performance expectations across the board.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyNjA0