Research and Markets: Coal-Mining in South Africa 2009

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a6afcb/coalmining_in_sou) has announced the addition of the "Coal-Mining in South Africa 2009" report to their offering.

Most coal production in South Africa about 53% is from opencast mines, with the balance being produced by bord-and-pillar (40%), stoping (4%) and longwall mining (3%). Coal mining operations are clustered in the country's Mpumalanga province, accounting for over 84% of South Africa's coal production. The remaining output comes from the Limpopo provinces two operating mines Grootgeluk in the Waterberg coalfield and Tshikondeni in the Soutpansberg coalfield, the Free States New Vaal and Sigma collieries, and KwaZulu-Natals six anthracite operations.

Over 80% of South Africa's saleable coal production is from mines controlled by five mining companies Anglo Coal, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa (Becsa), Exxaro Resources, Sasol Mining and Xstrata Coal South Africa. However, empowered mining companies and junior miners with black economic empowerment (BEE) partners are playing an ever-increasing and influential role in the sector. For instance, Exxaro Resources, one of the big five coal miners, is the largest BEE mining company in South Africa. In addition, Anglo Coal, Sasol Mining and Xstrata Coal South Africa are involved in JVs with BEE mining companies. The rise of BEE companies and junior miners has been facilitated by the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and the disposal of noncore coal mining assets by the larger industry players.

Since 2003, South Africa's coal production has remained fairly stagnant at levels of around 240-million tons a year, posting only small increases at best. This stagnation has been attributed to depleted coal mines in the Witbank, Ermelo and Highveld coalfields in the Mpumalanga province, as well as operational and technological constraints that coal miners have been facing. Geology has determined that the Witbank coalfield is by far the most significant source of South Africa's mined coal at present.

Key Topics Covered:

• List of abbreviations
• Key Developments
• The Global market
• The South African market
• Coal exports
• The Richards Bay Coal Terminal
• Black economic empowerment
• Clean coal technologies in South Africa
• Major coal projects currently under development in South Africa
• Main participants

Companies Mentioned:

• Anglo Coal
• BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa
• Exxaro Resources
• Sasol Mining
• Xstrata Coal South Africa
• Anker Coal and Mineral Holdings
• Bisichi Mining
• CIC Energy
• Coal of Africa Limited
• Kangra Coal
• Keaton Energy
• Miranda Minerals
• Sentula Mining
• South African Coal Mineral Holdings
• Total Coal South Africa
• Wescoal

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a6afcb/coalmining_in_sou