The first export of iron ore mined in the Lalaua district of Mozambique’s Nampula province, is scheduled to happen by the end of the year and will be headed for China, said Rui Pinto, manager of Indian-owned Damodar Ferro Limitada.

The first lot for export will be made up of around 28,000 tons of magnetite, of which 20,000 tons are already being stored in the Namarrepo 2 mining area and another 3,000 tons at Iapala railway station, in Ribaué district, where the company’s logistics hub is based.

Pinto also told Mozambican daily newspaper Notícias that a lack of railway equipment, specifically engines and trucks that are appropriate for carrying magnetite in the Northern Development Corridor, was affecting the company’s ability to meet its targets for carrying the magnetite to the Port of Nacala from the Iapala railway station.

The company plans to present the documents needed to the Mining Resources Ministry for authorisation of surveys in the districts of Memba and Alto Molocué in Nampula and Zambézia province, respectively, where there are signs of iron ore deposits. (macauhub)