What is Coal Mine?
Coal mining is the process of extracting coal from the ground or from a mine. Coal is valued for its energy content and since the 1880s has been widely used to generate electricity. Steel and cement industries use coal as a fuel for the extraction of iron from iron ore and for cement production.
How Many Coal Mines In South Africa?
There are more than 3032 coal mines in operation globally, of which 127 are in South Africa, according to GlobalData’s mines and projects database.
Which is the biggest coal mine in South Africa?
Grootegeluk Mine in Limpopo, was the largest coal-producing mine in South Africa, producing approximately 26.9 million tonnes of coal and an estimated 57.7 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) of Run-of-Mine (ROM) in 2021.
Where are most coal mines located in South Africa?
South Africa’s coal resources are contained in the Ecca deposits, a stratum of the Karoo Supergroup. There are 19 coalfields in the country and they are largely located in the northeastern quarter of the country, i.e. Mpumalanga, Limpopo and extend to KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.
What are the major coal mines in South Africa?
Notable coalfields are:
- Waterberg Coalfield.
- Highveld Coalfield.
- Witbank Coalfield.
- Ermelo Coalfield.
- Utrecht Coalfield.
- Klip River Coalfield.
How many mines are there in South Africa?
Out of a total of 319 mining projects, the country’s gold, PGM and coal mining continue to grow the mining economy and are an essential growth point for those looking to create business opportunities in the South African mining sector.