Coal
Coal is a combustible sedimentary rock formed from ancient plant matter and one of the world's most important fossil fuels. It consists primarily of carbon, along with varying amounts of hydrogen, sulphur, oxygen and nitrogen, and is classified by rank from lignite through sub-bituminous and bituminous to anthracite based on carbon content and energy density. Coal is extracted through surface (opencast) or underground mining methods and is used principally for electricity generation in thermal power stations, steel production in blast furnaces, and cement manufacturing. Historically, coal powered the Industrial Revolution and remains a major energy source globally, though its share of the energy mix is declining in many regions. South Africa has substantial coal reserves concentrated in Mpumalanga and the Waterberg basin and relies heavily on coal-fired power stations for baseload electricity generation. The coal industry encompasses exploration, mining, processing, transportation and marketing, and supports significant employment and export revenue in coal-producing nations. However, coal combustion is the largest single source of carbon dioxide emissions globally, and the sector faces mounting pressure from climate policy, renewable energy competition and investor divestment. The energy transition away from coal is reshaping the industry, with producers diversifying into cleaner energy sources, carbon capture technologies and mine rehabilitation. Major coal-producing countries include China, India, the United States, Indonesia and Australia, while international trade is driven by demand from Asia-Pacific steel and power markets.
Coal Updates
Trade uncertainty, energy, freight costs continuing to create headwinds – BHP
By: Martin Creamer 20th October 2026 Global markets remain volatile, with geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, and elevated energy and freight costs continuing to create headwinds... →
Eskom revamps its strategy as monopoly fades
By: Reuters 15th October 2026 South Africa’s State power utility is looking to develop new revenue streams as it prepares to unbundle and relinquish its dominance in electricity... →
ARM’s Motsepe emphasises importance of honesty, integrity, governance, meritocracy 
By: Martin Creamer 4th September 2026 The founder and chairperson of diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) on Friday, September emphasised the importance of... →
ARM headline earnings up 19%, dividend declared
By: Martin Creamer 4th September 2026 The headline earnings of diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) increased by 19% to R3 201-million in the financial year ended... →
Eskom RT&D Centre positioned as engine for energy innovation, industrialisation
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 2nd September 2026 State-owned power utility Eskom’s Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) Centre, in Rosherville, Johannesburg, is being positioned as a critical... →
Eskom’s alarming emissions increase must see urgent Parliament disclosure
2nd September 2026 The DA has sent a written request to Parliament's Committee's for Electricity and Environment, requiring that Eskom and its environmental... →
South African miners accelerate shift to renewable power to cut Eskom reliance
By: Reuters 26th August 2026 South Africa's mining firms are accelerating investment in renewable energy as they seek to diversify power sources, cut costs and meet... →
Exxaro wants energy, future metals to be more than half of group earnings by 2030
By: Martin Creamer 20th August 2026 Exxaro wants its growing energy and future-facing metals businesses to account for more than half of group earnings by 2030. “This is the business... →
Exxaro lifts revenue, continues to scale renewable-energy business
By: Martin Creamer 20th August 2026 Despite heightened geopolitical tensions, increasing inflationary pressures and broader macroeconomic headwinds, South African resources group... →
South Africa is overlooking solar technology that can keep generating electricity after sunset
18th August 2026 South Africa’s coal-fired power stations are retiring. The country must replace a huge amount of electricity over the next two decades. Currently,... →
