OVERVIEWSECTOR
OVERVIEWSECTOR INSIGHTExxaro increased exports by 37%.MiningCoal is coming back.Moves to reduce carbon emissions have slowed aroundthe world. This is partly because of conflicts that areputting a strain on energy supplies, partly because ofthe rise of politicians who either don’t believe in climatechange or want to drill for more oil anyway and because of China’soversized role in the world economy. And China continues to buildnew coal mines.In South Africa, although there has been support for the JustEnergy Transition (JET), the Minister of Mineral and PetroleumResources, Gwede Mantashe, has made it clear that he does notbelieve that it makes sense for South Africa to leave its coal in theground. The decommissioning of Mpumalanga’s coal-fired powerstations will not happen as quickly as was initially thought, and coalmines will continue to operate.The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, announced inhis 2025 State of the Province Address that while the provincesupported the JET, it was also encouraging mining companiesto fund research into carbon-capture technology as a way of“mitigating carbon emissions in the region”. The Premier also calledfor the implementation of a plan to create a Mining and MetalTechnology Park (Supplier Park). He noted that the scheme neededprivate investors and called for partnerships between the public andprivate sectors.For coal-mining specialists Thungela, diversification is paying off.As a relatively new entity officially separated from Anglo Americanin June 2021, the company took over six mines in Mpumalanga.It acquired a majority share of the Ensham mine in Queensland,Australia, in 2023 and now ownsthe whole thing. The Australianproperty contributed R676-millionto the healthy 2024 net profitof R3.5-billion. South Africanproduction also increased for thefirst time in three years, drivenby productivity improvementsand improved rail performance.Thungela’s life-extension projects,at Elders and Zibulo North Shaft,are reportedly on schedule andwithin budget and in 2025, thecompany expects to producebetween 12.8Mt and 13.6Mt ofexport saleable coal.Exxaro responded to the logjamsat South African ports by using theMaputo Corridor for more exports,which rose 37%, as per the annualintegrated report issued in April2025. Overall production droppedfrom 42.3Mt in 2023 to 39.5Mt.Exxaro has spent R3-billion on adigital twin of its Belfast mine inMpumalanga. Using this example,two authors from financial servicescompany Mazars have outlinedthe benefits of using AI-poweredtechnology in mining.Predictive maintenance,improved productivity and theelimination of downtime arefurther concrete benefits that willcome with the increasing adoptionof AI. The Mazars authors statethat a recent survey conducted bythe Minerals Council South Africashowed that more than half ofits members are already pilotingvarious AI-powered tools whileanother 25% are looking to do soin the next five years.Afrimat, previously listed onthe JSE in the “Construction andMPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2025/2644PHOTO: Afrimat
The SAIEE calls on EngineeringPractitioners in MpumalangaFormed in 1909, the South African Institute of Electrical Engineering (SAIEE) has a long-standingtradition of supporting and promoting excellence in electrical engineering. As we continue togrow and expand our reach, we call on all Mpumalanga engineering practitioners to join us andestablish a centre/branch in your region, with head office support.Becoming a SAIEE member gives you access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities tofurther your career and professional development. Our 9 Centres nationwide provide a platformfor members to network with industry experts, participate in monthly lectures, and accesscareer development tools to enhance their skills and knowledge.One key advantage of being a SAIEE member is the opportunity to participate inCPD-accredited site visits, which can provide valuable insights and practicalknowledge to help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field ofelectrical engineering. Additionally, our Centres are vital in promotingengineering studies to school leavers, mentoring students throughour student chapters, and offering access to the industry’s mostessential technical information in English.By joining forces and building a strong community of engineeringpractitioners in the Mpumalanga province, we can make a realimpact and drive positive change in our industry. We inviteyou to join the SAIEE family and help us shape the future ofelectrical engineering in South Africa. Join us today and bea part of something great!For more information, email minx@saiee.org.zajoin us today!MembershipCorporate ForumsCPD Training AcademySkills Development9 Centres nationwideDedicated to Electrical Engineering since 1909www.saiee.org.za45 T: 011 487 3003 MPUMALANGA | SAIEE House 18a Gill BUSINESS Street Observatory 2025/26JHB
