AS global oil giants comb seabeds along the East Coast for oil and gas reserves, political heavyweights are calling for Richards Bay to be established as the province’s oil and gas base.
Addressing Minister of Trade and Industry (DTI) Rob Davies last week during his visit to the City of uMhlathuze, delegates said the coastal town was the ‘perfect fit’ for the lucrative sector.
‘Richards Bay is extremely well placed for the oil and gas industry,’ said KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister, Mike Mabuyakhulu.
‘Situated next to Mozambique, which has proven to have huge reserves, the region shows great potential.
‘It is also home to the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere (BHP Billiton) and two mineral sands giants (Richards Bay Minerals and Tronox KZN Sands) which could all benefit from power generated by gas turbines.
‘This is the biggest industrial hub in the province and a critical point to develop,’ Mabuyakhulu said.
Davies responded by saying the Port of Richards Bay should already start tapping into the vast opportunities at sea.
‘The oceans economy is expected to contribute up to R177-billion to the GDP and create about one million jobs by 2033,’ said Davies.
‘Currently, Saldanha’s Industrial Development Zone is focused on oil and gas, its investors having already started servicing oil rigs.
‘Richards Bay’s port officials must understand the value in this. It amounts to much more than incoming and outgoing vessels.
‘To go out and service rigs at sea will open huge engineering jobs and value for this area.These opportunities should not be lost,’ Davies said.
