Latest news with #Wonderfontein
The Citizen
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
How SA's old coal mines can offer hope for dying towns
Rehabilitation projects in Mpumalanga show that former coal mines can be revived for farming, biofuel production and renewable energy initiatives. A recent analysis at University of Cape Town (UCT) highlights the potential for abandoned coal mines to serve as platforms for sustainable job creation and economic regeneration. The study conducted by Nicola Wills, senior economist and an PhD candidate in economics at UCT, revealed that South Africa has almost 6 000 abandoned mines – including more than 300 coal sites – which pose risks such as acid mine drainage, water pollution, land degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. Risks and opportunities Wills said the deficient rehabilitation and restoration of abandoned and closed mines 'presents risks, but also opportunities to create jobs'. Wills said the sites have potential to create sustainable jobs, economic diversity and community resilience in the context of the just energy transition (JET). She said there were proven innovations in rehabilitation showing that the land where the mining activities took place could be rehabilitated and used for agricultural purposes. 'Mining contamination in Mpumalanga has posed a major challenge for crop cultivation, but innovative rehabilitation techniques are proving that land can be restored for sustainable agriculture – an outcome once thought impossible. 'The Mafube water reuse project [2017– 2020, with phase 2 beginning this year] demonstrated that irrigating virgin land with mine water produced high-quality maize with yields (14.5T/ha) nearly doubling those of dryland crops (8T/ha).' ALSO READ: Half of SMEs may not survive the next year without urgent help 'Similarly, the Wonderfontein winter wheat project [2021] showed that mineaffected land and water improved crop performance, yielding higher outputs than virgin soil while meeting necessary safety standards,' Wills said. 'Mpumalanga has also partnered with Coaltech and the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency to repurpose mining land for biofuels, industrial hemp and renewable energy.' 'Economic collapse' The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) welcomed the study. National coordinator Sabelo Mnguni said the findings reaffirm what mining-affected communities have long advocated for, that JET must be locally grounded, socially just and community-led. 'For decades, mining-affected communities have shouldered the environmental, health and economic burdens of coal extraction with minimal benefit and limited recourse. 'The UCT study rightly notes that Mpumalanga alone houses thousands of households dependent on coal income and with mine closures looming, the spectre of economic collapse is real. 'Yet, these same communities now face exclusion in discussions about rehabilitation, reuse and investment decisions related to JET. This is unacceptable.' ALSO READ: South Africa gets R8.4 billion loan to help fix and improve its energy sector Mnguni said the study's evidence, from biofuel farming to mine water reuse for crop cultivation, demonstrates that repurposing mining land can be economically viable. He, however, said Macua emphasises the interventions must be developed with, not for, communities. 'Local people must be the first beneficiaries of job creation and training. Financing and access remain key barriers as the allocation of R181.9 million for rehabilitation is a step forward, but if coal sites are not prioritised, this funding risks reinforcing historic inequities.' 'Income generating activity' Mining expert David van Wyk also welcomed the study. 'As long as energy is privately owned, the transition will not be just. The various mining voids are filling up with water. 'This poses a major risk of acid mine water decanting into surface water and eating away the dolomitic substructure of urban areas causing dangerous sinkholes. 'This water can and should be treated to a point where it can be used in industry. This offers another job creating and income generating activity for dying mining towns.' NOW READ: 'We know it's wrong, but they're trying to make a living,' say families of arrested illegal miners
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ndalamo Resources acquires Wonderfontein coal mine in South Africa
South African mining company Ndalamo Resources has announced the acquisition of the Wonderfontein coal mine in Mpumalanga, South Africa, from Umsimbithi Mining. Wonderfontein is Ndalamo's first wholly owned operating mine and marks a significant step in the company's growth and diversification strategy. The coal mine has been operational since 2012 and transitioned from an underground to an open-cast truck-and-shovel operation in 2013. It operates at a peak mining rate of 4.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and is expected to continue mining operations until 2030. The mining right extends until 2 June 2037, providing a long-term operational horizon for Ndalamo. It was initially owned and operated by Umsimbithi Mining in a joint venture (JV) involving Lithemba Wonderfontein Coal, Phembani Group and Glencore. The acquisition of Wonderfontein offers 'greater operational independence', allowing Ndalamo to refine its approach to sustainable and profitable mining without the constraints of JVs, according to the company. Ndalamo CEO Shammy Luvhengo said: 'The acquisition of Wonderfontein Colliery not only strengthens our portfolio but also marks a significant milestone in our growth and diversification strategy. 'With a processing plant capable of handling 300kt [300,000 tonnes] of coal per month and a railway siding designed to manage RBCT [Richards Bay Coal Terminal] jumbo-size wagons, this asset positions us to expand our offering and enhance operational control. 'We are determined to maintain profit margins by introducing new investment opportunities, consolidating strategic assets, and exploring markets beyond Eskom. This proactive approach will ensure that we remain resilient and adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry.' While coal remains the core business and comprises up to 70% of future operations, the company is also exploring diversification into new commodities and alternate energies. Luvhengo added: 'As we advance, we will continue to act responsibly towards our people, communities and the environment, ensuring that our growth contributes positively to both our stakeholders and the planet. 'We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this acquisition brings and are dedicated to fostering a resilient and socially responsible business that aligns with our long-term vision.' In January 2025, exporters of coal and iron ore in South Africa were considering the finalisation of investment agreements worth billions of rand with state-owned logistics company Transnet, aimed at repairing essential rail lines and improving shipping capabilities. "Ndalamo Resources acquires Wonderfontein coal mine in South Africa" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
