Eskom to support emerging coal miners

Johannesburg - A strategy is in place to enable emerging coal miners to play a bigger role in the supply of coal to Eskom, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said on Monday. 

"Eskom is in the process of developing the strategy, which would enable emerging miners to play a greater role in the supply of coal for power generation in South Africa... and take transformation in the industry to a new level," Gigaba said in a statement. 

Gigaba met emerging miners on Monday to explore partnerships with Eskom, following a session with established coal producers and the SA Chamber of Mines. 

"Eskom's long-term coal supply requirements create significant opportunities for emerging miners to ramp up their participation in the industry. 

"This will require significant investment in coal mining and Eskom is committed to ensuring that this is accompanied by transformation of the industry." 

Gigaba said in addition to coal, suppliers of materials such as limestone would also be needed.