CEREBOS IS to continue operating its salt works at the Coega River mouth – the site of the Coega IDZ – in terms of an agreement between the company and Transnet. Cerebos managing director Len Chandler says the parties have reached full agreement on the acquisition by Transnet of the land from AngloVaal Industries. Transnet has acquired the land for the development of the Ngqura deep water port. In a related development, National Brands, which previously owned Cerebos, has sold the company to a management consortium. The move is described by Chandler as “good news for the Eastern Cape. We will continue to supply high-quality salt to the consumer, and no jobs will be lost. It is a good deal.” The Coega saltworks employs around 150 people. The NPA recently said that Phase I development of the new port would not be affected by the salt works operation. “After protracted negotiations, which were handled very well, I can say the agreement between us and National Ports Authority ensures continuity at Cerebos and therefore secures the future of the company,” says Mr Chandler. The window period granted by the National Ports Authority would create the platform for the development of the Cerebos business.