Coal mines in South Africa play an important role in the country’s economy, with 77% of all primary energy needs being provided for by coal. South Africa also exports nearly one quarter of all coal, while coal mines in South Africa, and their direct supporting industries, employ roughly 55 000 people.

According to Eskom, coal mines in South Africa produce 224 million tonnes per year. South Africa is the world’s seventh largest coal producer after China, USA, India, Australia, Indonesia and Russia. 31% of all coal mines in South Africa can be found in the central Highveld while Witbank and Ermelo feature 30% and 13, 8% respectively.

Coal mines in South Africa can also be found in:

• Waterberg
• Sasolburg
• South Rand
• Utrecht
• Kliprivier
• Soutpansberg

Nearly 85% of all coal mines in South Africa are owned and operated by Anglo American’s Thermal Coal, BHP Billiton’s Ingwe Collieries, Sasol Mining, Eyesizwe and Kumba Resources. Approximately half of all coal mines in South Africa use open pit mining techniques, while the other half relies on sub-surface techniques.

It is estimated that coal mines in South Africa have the potential to access reserves of between 30 billion and 53 billion tonnes – enough to sustain coal mines in South Africa and its supporting operations for nearly 200 years at current output capacities.

Africa Mining IQ, a leading mining information source on coal mines in South Africa, lists the New Largo Project surface mine, and the Mafube Colliery as the largest coal mines in South Africa. The Mafube Colliery supplies 1.1 million tonnes of coal yearly. The colliery supplies Mpumalanga’s Arnot Power Station and, as one of the largest coal mines in South Africa, the project is estimated to be worth ZAR 16 billion over its lifespan.

Africa Mining IQ lists the New Largo Project as the second largest coal mine in South Africa. It supplies 15 million tonnes of coal yearly to the Kusile Power Station, about 25km outside of eMalahleni. The project is valued at roughly ZAR11 Billion over its life span.

Africa Mining IQ’s mining intelligence service provides key contacts on all coal mines in South Africa as well as the functionality to track and follow the progress of the various coal mines in South Africa. With key information on coal mines in South Africa, subscribers to Africa Mining IQ benefit from early stage contact prior to tendering.

If you are serious about growing your business within the mining industry, contact Africa Mining IQ today to set up your free information session.