Transnet Freight Rail advised the South Africa-based company that 10 wagons were derailed on February 18, suspending traffic between Komatipoort and Maputo.

Coal of Africa announced on Thursday that TFR had confirmed that the line would soon be reopened and operational from April 19, with repairs to continue on the operating line for several months.

“The company anticipates that exports will resume during May 2013,” Coal of Africa chief executive officer John Wallington said in a statement.

“The force majeure declared by [the company] will remain in effect until the rail system has reached its normal operating capacity.”

The company said production at both its Mooiplaats and Woestalleen projects was marginally impacted by the derailment with 100% of the Mooiplaats thermal product channelled to the domestic market.

Its Woestalleen export product has been stockpiled to enable immediate supply subsequent to the reopening of the line and production at Vele has been suspended because existing stockpiles are at full capacity.

“The full impact of the force majeure will be determined by the end of the current quarter and disclosed accordingly,” Wallington said.