Investment drive results in mega digital mining development at Exxaro Coal

Also emphasized by Dr Tsengwa is the growth prospects in the operations for coal consumption in the market for both local and exports. The Exxaro Belfast Coal mine caters for mostly the export production of the coal, which is transported to the markets through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The Belfast Coal has a lifespan of 17+ years of production capability.

The exports quantities the mine produces is at 9mtpa (9 million tons per year)to the world, with the possibility to have the said quantities increased by year 2013 as per the growth prospects targets.

Exxaro CEO, Mxolisi Mgojo said: “We at Exxaro, know better than most the vital role that partnerships with government and other key stakeholders can play in achieving transformation in South Africa’s socio-economic landscape. Our R20 billion investment, between 2018 and 2023 is testament to our purpose, as it is about co-creating solutions with government to complex social and economic challenges facing our country.”

This first of its kind digital mine allows the staff at the mine to easily communicate with the management at another office, when they need to make crucial decisions pertaining to the production, customer related information on product requests and ways to mitigate risks associated with mining.

The effects of climate change is a big factor that the Exxaro Coal mine also takes into consideration as it has a huge impact to the operations of the mine. To achieve this digitization for better performance, high tech infrastructure had to be acquired for the mine to effectively deliver its digital objectives as a mine.

Exxaro Belfast Coal mine prides itself as the a digital and connected mine in South Africa, it has also trained a number of youths in the area it operates in – equipping the youngsters with the relevant skills needed to address the needs of jobs creation. These trainings by the Exxaro Coal prepare the youths in the form of entrepreneurship, which leads to the creation of jobs.

The mine also invested in the empowerment of black youth and women-owned businesses under its Enterprise Supplier Development – ensuring there is adequate accessibility of opportunities within the company.