The new coal mine is about to enter another important phase

• South African companies are expanding their coal portfolios to meet domestic energy needs as well as demand from international markets.
• Coal producer Seriti Resources officially opened its Naudesbank Colliery mine near Carolina in Mpumalanga on March 14, 2025.
• The current phase of the project involves open-pit mining. Preparations are also underway to transition to underground mining.

Coal mining remains one of the pillars of the South African economy. The opening of the Naudesbank mine in March 2025 was greeted with enthusiasm. Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe declared at the mine's opening: "King Coal is back!" This demonstrates the enormous importance of coal in the South African economy. Coal ensures a steady supply of electricity in the country.

According to local media reports, coal mining remains a significant source of employment in South Africa. In 2024, the mining industry directly employed 484,837 people.

Coal also plays a significant role in South Africa's mining of other minerals. Coal-based energy enables the extraction and processing of raw materials such as lithium and cobalt.

The Naudesbank coal mine is expected to produce approximately 1 million tons of coal per year after its transition to underground mining. Its production is expected to generate revenue from coal exports, while local governments will also benefit from taxes and royalties.

The Naudesbank mine is scheduled to transition to underground mining in 2027. The mine is expected to operate until approximately 2037.