Ruvuma Coal : Excavating the Spirit of Exploration

Joshua MannEd Budds
Joshua Mann - Regional Director Ed Budds - Editor
MAIN Ruvuma

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

EXCAVATING THE SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION

In the southern region of Tanzania, there is a rich history of coal mining.   

African coal, a catalyst of heat, finds its place in various domains, from burning as the fiery heart of cement kilns to propelling the transformation of raw materials into sturdy foundations and fuelling electricity production. 

Thus, the exploration, extraction, and implementation of coal stands as a versatile force, driving progress across the continent. 

Ruvuma Coal (Ruvuma) is a Tanzanian coal mining company with its head office in Dar es Salaam, a major city and commercial port found on the nation’s Indian Ocean coast. 

Translating as the ‘Abode of Peace’, it is the largest city in East Africa and the major financial hub of Tanzania. 

The mine that the company operates out of is found in the Mbinga district of the Ruvuma region, where the business currently employs a team of 1,250 dedicated professionals. 

“We produce three main products – RB1, RB3, and cobbles or coal lumps,” introduces Operations Director, Ryan Wienand. 

RB1 coal has the highest energy content, as well as lower sulphur and ash content compared to RB2 and RB3 coal.   

Meanwhile, RB2 coal has a slightly lower energy content, while RB3 coal has the lowest grading among the three.  

As such, Ruvuma’s RB1 coal is highly suitable for electricity generation due to its superior energy content and lower emissions. 

“To date, we have proudly sent coal to Europe, the UK, Poland, North Africa, Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Pakistan, and India to name just a few of our locations,” he sets out. 

“We offer a comprehensive service whereby we not only mine the coal, but now deliver it to any port in the world.”

FULFILLING MAXIMUM POTENTIAL

At present, the company’s primary focus is on its newly developed dense media separation (DMS) wash plant, used for processing the coal that Ruvuma produces. 

“This new state-of-the-art facility will be crucial in ensuring that we can produce a consistent quality of coal for the international market,” Wienand explains. 

On top of this, in order to benefit its port facilities and distribution network, the company has recently installed two new Samson shiploaders that will help to turn around vessels faster when they are unloading and reloading shipments.  

Across the entirety of the business, Ruvuma is constantly upgrading both its facilities and processes to ensure an optimum level of production and distribution. 

“We have prepared a structured roll-out of equipment as well as our ongoing work regarding the wash plant,” he tells us. 

In addition to this, Ruvuma has just completed work on a new development centre where the company now has a team of dedicated trainers working on constantly upgrading the skills of its operators.   

“We offer a comprehensive service whereby we not only mine the coal, but now deliver it to any port in the world”

Ryan Wienand, Operations Director, Ruvuma Coal

POSITIVE CHANGE

Ruvuma believes that the resource of coal doesn’t just spark flames – it ignites possibilities.  

Therefore, the company diligently plays its part in helping to develop and support local communities. 

“We have already completed work on building a new school for the local area and are in the process of developing a trade and skills college,” Wienand prides.  

“To date, our carpentry department and woodwork shop have trained multiple local people in new skills and supplied over 250 desks to other schools in the area,” he continues. 

Dedicated to upgrading access to essential local healthcare facilities, Ruvuma has also built medical clinics and dispensaries in its nearest villages.    

Additionally, while focusing on helping the local community, the company dedicates itself to ensuring a better life and career for its staff. 

“We have a policy to promote from within and have many operators that started out in other jobs and have developed and progressed exceptionally. We encourage everyone to step forward as empowerment is a difficult thing and needs to come from within.”

TANZANIA’S MINING RESURGENCE

Wienand firmly believes that Tanzania currently finds itself on the cusp of an exciting new mining era.    

“Overall, I think that the whole of Africa remains fairly untapped in terms of its potential for supplying natural resources and there is still so much out there to explore.   

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

“Overall, I think that Africa remains fairly untapped in terms of its potential for supplying natural resources and there is still so much out there to explore”

Ryan Wienand, Operations Director, Ruvuma Coal

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

Ruvuma Coal is spearheading Tanzania’s blossoming mining industry, which looks set to flourish. We discover how the company is igniting growth and forging innovative solutions with Operations Director, Ryan Wienand.

RUVUMA COAL PARTNERS

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By Ed Budds Editor
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Ed Budds is an in-house writer for Africa Outlook Magazine, where he is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the magazine, corporate brochures, and the digital platform.