ILLUMINATING THE RUVUMA REGION
EXCAVATING THE SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Joshua Mann
In the southern region of Tanzania, there is a rich history of coal mining.
African coal, a catalyst of heat, finds its place in various domains, from burning as the fiery heart of cement kilns to propelling the transformation of raw materials into sturdy foundations and fuelling electricity production.
Thus, the exploration, extraction, and implementation of coal stands as a versatile force, driving progress across
the continent.
Ruvuma Coal (Ruvuma) is a Tanzanian coal mining company with its head office in Dar es Salaam, a major city and commercial port found on the nation’s Indian Ocean coast.
Translating as the ‘Abode of Peace’, it is the largest city in East Africa and the major financial hub of Tanzania.
The mine that the company operates out of is found in the Mbinga district of the Ruvuma region, where the business
currently employs a team of 1,250 dedicated professionals.
“We produce three main products – RB1, RB3, and cobbles or coal lumps,” introduces Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.
RB1 coal has the highest energy content, as well as lower sulphur and ash content compared to RB2 and RB3 coal.
Meanwhile, RB2 coal has a slightly lower energy content, while RB3 coal has the lowest grading among the three.
As such, Ruvuma’s RB1 coal is highly suitable for electricity generation due to its superior energy content and lower emissions.
“To date, we have proudly sent coal to Europe, the UK, Poland, North Africa, Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Pakistan, and India to name just a few of our locations,” he sets out.
“We offer a comprehensive service whereby we not only mine the coal, but now deliver it to any port in the world.”
THE POWER OF COAL
• The natural resource of coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel that was formed deep in the earth over hundreds of millions of years ago. As such, it derives from sedimentary rock formed by the remains of ancient organisms and organic plant matter. This matter then begins the process of decomposition very slowly and creates peat bogs, which in turn transform into coal when subjected to extremely high levels of pressure and heat.
• Coal is still one of the most widely used fuels for power generation because of its availability and low cost.
• Coal is formed into underground “seams” or “beds”, which can be up to 1,500 kilometres long and 30 metres thick.
• A resource that is rich in carbon and hydrocarbons, coal is combustible and can be burned as a fuel to generate electrical power.
“OVERALL, I THINK THAT AFRICA REMAINS FAIRLY UNTAPPED IN TERMS OF ITS POTENTIAL FOR SUPPLYING NATURAL RESOURCES AND THERE IS STILL SO MUCH OUT THERE TO EXPLORE”
– RYAN WIENAND, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, RUVUMA COAL
FULFILLING MAXIMUM POTENTIAL
At present, the company’s primary focus is on its newly developed dense media separation (DMS) wash plant, used for processing the coal that Ruvuma produces.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will be crucial in ensuring that we can produce a consistent quality of coal for the international market,” Wienand explains.
On top of this, in order to benefit its port facilities and distribution network, the company has recently installed two new Samson shiploaders that will help to turn around vessels faster when
they are unloading and reloading shipments.
Across the entirety of the business, Ruvuma is constantly upgrading both its facilities and processes to ensure an optimum level of production and distribution.
“We have prepared a structured roll-out of equipment as well as our ongoing work regarding the wash plant,” he tells us.
In addition to this, Ruvuma has just completed work on a new development centre where the company now has a team of dedicated trainers working on constantly upgrading the skills of its operators.
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“WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE WHEREBY WE NOT ONLY MINE THE COAL, BUT NOW DELIVER IT TO ANY PORT IN THE WORLD”
– RYAN WIENAND, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, RUVUMA COAL
POSITIVE CHANGE
Ruvuma believes that the resource of coal doesn’t just spark flames – it ignites possibilities.
Therefore, the company diligently plays its part in helping to develop and support local communities.
“We have already completed work on building a new school for the local area and are in the process of developing a trade and skills college,” Wienand prides.
“To date, our carpentry department and woodwork shop have trained multiple local people in new skills and supplied over 250 desks to other schools in the area,” he continues.
Dedicated to upgrading access to essential local healthcare facilities, Ruvuma has also built medical clinics and dispensaries in its nearest villages.
Additionally, while focusing on
helping the local community, the company dedicates itself to ensuring a better life and career for its staff.
“We have a policy to promote from within and have many operators that started out in other jobs and have developed and progressed exceptionally. We encourage everyone to step forward as empowerment is a difficult thing and needs to come from within.”
TANZANIA’S MINING RESURGENCE
Wienand firmly believes that Tanzania currently finds itself on the cusp of an exciting new mining era.
“Overall, I think that the whole of Africa remains fairly untapped in terms of its potential for supplying natural resources and there is still so much out there to explore.
“The trends that we are seeing across the continent include the ongoing regulation of local content and making sure that the right people get a chance at either providing services to mines or actually mining themselves,” he elaborates.
Today, Tanzania undoubtedly stands at the threshold of a new chapter in its mining narrative.
The sector’s contribution to
national GDP has steadily increased, and this growth is further reflected in the mining-driven expansion of nontraditional goods exports, particularly gold and coal.
These exciting gains can be attributed to recent government policies which are strategically harnessing the nation’s mineral wealth, aimed not only at attracting investments but also transforming
local communities.
Furthermore, this shift towards more inclusive economic development is centred on creating job opportunities and developing critical skills in the hope that the benefits of mining extend beyond simply establishing profits, and instead foster sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for Tanzanians while maintaining a business-friendly environment.
COAL AS A GAME-CHANGER
Ruvuma’s impressive numbers and annual output paint a powerful picture, however the company’s coal isn’t simply a resource – it has become a game-changer.
Keen to capitalise on this transformative potential, the Tanzanian coal mining industry is committed to continuing to meet international demand
for products, providing local employment opportunities, and further boosting the nation’s economy.
Consistently exceeding revenue targets year on year, the burgeoning sector has emerged as a potent engine driving Tanzania’s foreign exchange earnings, within which Ruvuma itself stands tall.
Beyond the economics, coal can
act as a foundation for development and an inspirational symbol of Tanzania’s potential on the world stage.
By working together, fostering dialogue, and forging innovative solutions, Ruvuma hopes to unlock the full potential of coal, ensuring it continues to fuel Tanzania’s growth and prosperity, illuminating a brighter future for all.