What is Coal?
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed as rock strata called coal seams. Coal is mostly carbon with variable amounts of other elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen.
Where Can I Find Coal In South Africa?
Coal mining in South Africa is centered on the Highveld, with roughly 60% of the coal deposits in South Africa located in eMalahleni (Witbank) and surrounding areas.
Two of the biggest coal projects in South Africa are surface mining operations at the Mafube Colliery and the New Largo Project.
Where is coal mostly found 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.
Which province is the largest producer of coal in South Africa?
Mpumalanga is rich in coal reserves, and home to South Africa’s major coal-fired power stations – three of which are the biggest in the southern hemisphere. Mpumalanga produces about 80% of the country’s coal.