By Maria Kalamatas | July 24, 2025
Section: International / Land Transport & Resource Logistics
Durban, July 24 — Export routes from southern Africa’s mining regions are straining under record shipments of lithium, cobalt, and copper, with rail and port congestion slowing delivery schedules and adding costs for producers.
“Our trains are running continuously, but demand is outpacing every projection,” said Sipho Dlamini, terminal operations head at Durban Container Terminal. “This isn’t just a seasonal surge — it’s a new baseline for exports.”
Boom driven by global industries
Electric vehicle and renewable energy manufacturers in Asia and Europe are accelerating purchases, pushing export volumes up by nearly 30 percent compared to July 2024. Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa are among the largest contributors to the surge.
“Battery metals are reshaping the logistics map here,” Dlamini explained. “Every supply chain link — from inland depots to port cranes — is under pressure.”
Costs rise for exporters
Extended wait times for rail slots and berth access have prompted some producers to pay premiums for priority handling, while others are forced to store cargo inland or switch to costly trucking.
“Every delay erodes our margins,” said Lindiwe Khumalo, logistics director at a Johannesburg-based metals exporter. “Rail remains the most cost-effective mode, but the bottlenecks are unavoidable.”
Efforts to ease pressure
Operators are adding locomotives, leasing additional wagons, and opening overflow yards near ports. However, analysts warn that without major infrastructure investment, the pressure could last well into 2026.
