RBCT Implements Fully Autonomous Stacker Reclaimer for Efficient Coal Loading
Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) has introduced Africa's first fully autonomous stacker reclaimer, significantly improving coal handling efficiency with a 6.2% increase in digging performance and reductions in energy consumption and emissions. The machine operates without personnel, monitored from a central control room, and RBCT plans to deploy four additional units by 2025. CEO Alan Waller assured that automation will not result in employee retrenchments, highlighting the terminal's commitment to workforce stability.
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Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) in KwaZulu-Natal has launched Africa's first fully autonomous stacker reclaimer, enhancing coal stacking and reclaiming with millimetre accuracy. The machine operates without onboard personnel, optimizing coal handling while overseen from a central control room.
Efficiency in digging has increased by 6.2%, with reductions in electricity consumption, fuel use, and dust emissions. RBCT plans to roll out four additional autonomous machines in 2025 and further phases in 2027 and 2028.
The terminal, which has a capacity of 91 million tons per year, aims for a budgeted export rate of 60 million tons in 2026. CEO Alan Waller confirmed that no employees will be retrenched due to automation, emphasizing the terminal's commitment to maintaining its workforce while improving operational efficiency.
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