Mafikeng Municipality
North West
South Africa
Sector
Agriculture & Agri-processing
A plantation and a refinery to manufacture biodiesel in an area of future demand
The North West provincial povernment has spent about R4.7-million on the first phase of a new project in Mafikeng, North West, to produce biodiesel for export from perennials. The project involves the setting up of a nursery and studying three different crop types, namely Jatropha Curcas, Moringa and the two indigenous plums, Xiemenia Caffra (sour plum) and Papia Capensis (jacket plum). Initial results confirm the drought tolerance of the plants and especially the quick growth rate of Moringa.
Moringa oleifera is said to produce 1 000 to 2 000 litres biodiesel per hectare in a year and production can start within a year of plantation. The leaves are also excellent stock feed. Beside these significant environmental benefits, the crops need little care and can bring worthwhile economic returns.
A nursery has been established as a first phase which will be followed by a plantation roll out as the second phase. The establishment of the bio-diesel refinery will then follow as the third phase.
The refinery eventually expects to produce 2 000 cubic metres of biodiesel per month, with planned annual sales of R600 000.
Estimated total investment costs are R1-billion – R800-million for the roll out of the plantations on 60 000ha of land, and R200-million for the expeller and refinery.
Collaboration is sought for a joint venture, market access and buy-back arrangements. The type of investment or cooperation sought from foreign sources includes financial investment (as above), equipment and technology contribution or licence, manufacturing capability, management expertise and marketing expertise or distribution channels.
