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Coal mining in Africa
Globally, coal is a valuable commodity, predominantly used to generate electricity, and also used by the cement and steel industries to extract iron from iron ore and in the production of cement. Coal mining in Africa contributes just 6% of the world's total coal deposits, with production concentrated overwhelmingly in South Africa, and Africa Mining IQ tracks 190 coal mining projects and mines across the continent.
Relied on by equipment suppliers and site-services firms working South Africa's coal belt.
Where Africa's coal is mined
South Africa carries the industry
With roughly 4.9% of the global coal reserve concentrated in South Africa, coal mining in Africa hasn't grown to become a large revenue-earning industry for the continent on a world scale, even though it dominates the African picture. South Africa produces over 250 million tons of coal every year, and it is estimated that almost 75% of this coal is used domestically. Nearly 80% of the energy needs of South Africa are taken care of by coal, and over 90% of the coal consumed on the entire African continent is produced in South Africa. Extracted coal is typically shipped in small batches from South Africa's east coast to overseas markets, but coal mining in Africa and South Africa mostly creates a steady supply to South Africa's national electricity provider, Eskom.
Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique
Zimbabwe has become the only other country actively coal mining in Africa on a large scale, with around 0.1% of the global reserve. Botswana has over 200 billion tons of coal reserves, and the development of the coal industry has become a major priority there. Mozambique is also expected to experience a sharp increase in coal production towards 2020, with its estimated production forecast to exceed 100 million tons between 2015 and 2020. The five biggest coal mining companies are responsible for approximately 85% of all the coal production: Anglo American PLC, Sasol Mining, Glencore Xstrata, Exxaro and South32's South Africa Energy Coal.
Win more work in Africa's coal supply chain
Whether you supply heavy-duty coal mining equipment, site services or other mining-related services, AMIQ hands you the decision-makers behind every tracked coal project, not just the ones already out to public tender.
Anglo American and BHP Billiton, named
AMIQ lists the two key companies actively coal mining in Africa, along with the mine owners and consultants around them.
Open cast and underground, both covered
The open cast technique makes up around 50% of coal mining in Africa, and newer underground discoveries in Morocco and Egypt are tracked too.
Grassroots initiatives, not just producing mines
Contact persons, project tracking and grassroots initiatives are all available, so you can follow developments long before construction starts.
Behind the lock on a coal project record
Each listed coal mine tells you:
- Whether the mine is grassroots, under construction, or already producing
- Whether it runs open cast or underground
- The listed operator holding the asset
- Which EPCs and study houses are already appointed
- The province and licence status of the ground it sits on
- Paying members see the named decision-makers and spend figure behind the lock
A steady industry built on Eskom's demand for power
There is approximately 890 billion tons of coal around the world, adequate to last approximately 110 years at current rates of use, and Africa's slice of that reserve is small but strategically important to the continent's own energy security.
According to the 2010 BP Statistical Energy Survey on coal mining in Africa, there are around 33 399 tons of coal reserves in Africa. That is a modest position next to Russia's 30%, North America's 25% and Asia/Australia's 29% shares of the global reserve, but the coal that Africa does hold is put to heavy domestic use rather than exported at scale.
Coal mining companies rely on accurate, detailed and comprehensive mining intelligence to achieve maximum yields in the African coal mining industry. Whether a supplier of heavy-duty coal mining equipment, site services or other mining-related services, Africa Mining IQ supplies leading mining information to help secure contracts and get in touch with the right decision makers, tracking 190 coal projects and mines in the process.
Other details, such as contact persons, project tracking and grassroots initiatives, are also available on the platform, helping companies and people involved in coal mining in Africa keep track of the latest developments as they happen.
Explore coal across the continent
Keep reading on the operators, provinces and commodities that sit alongside coal in Africa Mining IQ's coverage.
Coal mining in Africa: common questions
How many coal projects does AMIQ track in Africa?
Africa Mining IQ tracks 190 coal mining projects and mines across the continent, from grassroots initiatives through to operating mines. That coverage helps suppliers and service firms find where the active coal work actually is.
How much of the world's coal is in Africa?
Coal mining in Africa contributes just 6% of the world's total coal deposits, a relatively small resource compared with Russia (30%), North America (25%) and Asia/Australia (29%). Around 33 399 tons of coal reserves sit in Africa according to the 2010 BP Statistical Energy Survey.
Which country dominates African coal production?
South Africa produces over 90% of all coal consumed on the African continent and more than 250 million tons every year. Roughly 75% of that coal is used domestically, and nearly 80% of South Africa's own energy needs are met by coal.
Which companies lead coal mining in Africa?
Five companies handle approximately 85% of all African coal production: Anglo American PLC, Sasol Mining, Glencore Xstrata, Exxaro and South32's South Africa Energy Coal. AMIQ names Anglo American and BHP Billiton as the two key companies actively coal mining in Africa.
Are other African countries growing their coal industries?
Zimbabwe is the only other country mining coal in Africa at scale today, holding around 0.1% of the global reserve. Botswana holds over 200 billion tons of coal reserves and has made developing the industry a priority, while Mozambique's coal production is forecast to exceed 100 million tons between 2015 and 2020.
