By Maria Kalamatas | July 25, 2025

Section: International / Land Transport & Resource Logistics

Durban, July 25 — Southern Africa’s rail networks and ports are under heavy strain as surging global demand for lithium, cobalt, and copper pushes export volumes to record highs, causing delays and raising logistics costs for mining companies.

“Our trains are running at maximum frequency, but the cargo just keeps coming,” said Sipho Dlamini, operations chief at Durban Container Terminal. “This isn’t a seasonal wave anymore — it’s the new normal.”

Global industries drive pressure

Battery and renewable energy manufacturers in Asia and Europe are fueling export growth, with shipments from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa climbing nearly 30 percent compared with July 2024.

“The supply chain is stretched from the mine to the port,” Dlamini explained. “Every link is working beyond standard capacity.”

Cost implications for exporters

Producers are paying premiums for priority rail slots and faster port handling, while some are resorting to costly trucking to avoid contract penalties. For smaller exporters, these added costs are squeezing margins.

“Rail is still the most efficient mode, but bottlenecks are eroding profitability,” said Lindiwe Khumalo, logistics director at a Johannesburg-based metals exporter.

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