Despite the economic downturn, international demand for South African coal and iron-ore remains strong and is set to grow rapidly in the coming years. Keith Barrow looks at how Transnet is meeting the need for more capacity on its heavy-haul lines.

TRANSNET, South Africa's national transport company, has brought forward to the next two years rail and port projects worth Rand 6.1bn ($US 755m) previously scheduled for the tail-end of its Rand 110.6bn five-year capital investment plan.