Container terminal and logistics park negotiations terminated

PORT ELIZABETH Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin says several parties are interested in the proposed $2,2bn aluminium smelter at the Coega industrial development zone.

THE controversial Coega industrial development zone offers "enormous" potential value to the country's much-vaunted motor vehicle industry as it could present a solution to the industry's logistical woes.

An announcement on whether Canadian aluminium producer Alcan would build a $2 billion (R12.8 billion) smelter at the Coega industrial development zone (IDZ) could be expected in May, trade and industry minister Alec Erwin said yesterday.

Work on the R2.65-billion deep water Port of Ngqura which started towards the end of 2002 is on schedule to finish next year, when the first ships are due to dock.

South Africa, hoping to copy the miracle that created Asia's tiger economies, is building a multibillion-rand duty-free industrial park, the first in a series aimed at boosting economic growth.

The trade and industry department has confirmed that that minister Alec Erwin met representatives from Alcan and Pechiney, who visited SA last week, to assess the merits of Pechiney's proposed $2,2bn aluminium smelter at Coega.

Construction group Concor expects to announce an empowerment deal.

Construction group is pinning its hopes on Coega and similar developments

Construction firm Concor expects to be awarded work on the world's most advanced aluminium smelter if French firm Pechiney gives the green light for the plant to be built at Coega.