Coal is the world’s most abundant and widely distributed fossil fuel. Clean and cost-effective, it is used primarily for electricity generation and steel production. Coal is mined in more than fifty countries worldwide, with extensive reserves in South Africa. Advances in mining and processing technologies enable the efficient and environmentally responsible use of coal.
Mmakau Mining maintains a strong and diversified coal portfolio, with interests spanning underground and open-cast mining, beneficiation, logistics and export infrastructure.
As part of its diversification strategy, Mmakau Mining acquired a 26% equity interest in Total Coal’s Dorstfontein Coal Mine. In 2014, Exxaro Coal Company acquired Total Coal’s majority shareholding, and in 2022 Exxaro sold its coal assets to Overlooked Colliery (Pty) Ltd.
Dorstfontein West is an underground operation producing approximately 1.8 million tonnes of run-of-mine coal per annum from the No. 2 seam. The operation is located near Kriel in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province and produces high-quality coal for both the local ferro-metal industry and international steam coal markets.
In 2019, operations were extended into the No. 4 seam, enabling production of 1.1 million saleable tonnes per annumfor export and domestic metallurgical markets.
Plant and Infrastructure:
Primary Mining Equipment:
Dorstfontein East is an underground mine operation using contractors. The operation mines with three continuous mines and hauls approximately 1.44 million tonnes per annum, achieving a yield of approximately 61% and sales of 0,878 million tonnes per annum.
The operation is supported by large-scale contractor-owned mining fleets and high-capacity beneficiation infrastructure.
Mmakau Mining holds a 51% ownership interest in Tumelo Coal Mines. Mining operations commenced in 2009 and were initially managed by Total Coal. Following a shutdown in 2014, Mmakau Mining assumed management control in 2019 and successfully reopened the operation.
Tumelo Coal Mines produced approximately 340,000 saleable tonnes per annum through a single underground continuous miner section until September 2025. The mine has now reached the end of its operational lifecycle and has entered the closure and rehabilitation phase.
Forzando Coal Mines, located in Mpumalanga, produces approximately 1.5 million saleable tonnes per annum using continuous mining methods. Mmakau Coal acquired a 26% equity stake in Forzando Coal Mines in 2008.
The operation is supported by extensive stockpile capacity, beneficiation infrastructure and a dedicated rail siding for product handling. A long-term toll washing agreement with Thungela (Anglo American Inyosi Coal) will commence in 2026.
The Schurvekop Project, located in Mpumalanga, is at bankable feasibility stage and is expected to produce approximately 1.6 million tonnes of run-of-mine coal per annum over a 16-year mine life.
Coal quality is approximately 21 MJ/kg, suitable for the Eskom market. Production is anticipated to commence in 2029, supported by a planned three-section underground continuous mining operation.
Mmakau Mining holds an export allocation of 600,000 tonnes per annum at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (Phase V), supporting access to international markets.