23 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2026 Start of the Financial Year: Recovery, Stability and Controlled Intake The financial year commenced with NCT firmly focused on stabilising operations following the devastating Richards Bay Mill Complex fire (occurring in the previous year) and the ongoing phased reconstruction programme. Engineering works, including gantry and conveyor installations, continued to impose constraints on pulpwood intake, storage and chip processing. As a result, member and supplier timber intake at NCT Richards Bay Mill Complex was deliberately moderated during certain months to maintain safe and efficient operations, whilst avoiding unnecessary disruption to market commitments and affording members the semblance of rateable mill access during very dynamic circumstances. NCT Durban Wood Chips operations were managed with particular care amid some ad-hoc shipping schedule volatility. Despite this, and aside from a limited amount of full-stock, situational stoppages, the mill performed strongly, delivering outstanding production and export volumes over the period. Joint Acacia and Eucalyptus smithii consignments once again played a key role in smoothing monthly supply, helping to mitigate the impact of irregular vessel availability and reducing the risk of extended downtime. This approach ensured a high level of operational continuity, reinforced client confidence in NCT’s reliability, and supported consistent revenue flow through what remained a challenging logistical environment.
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