Latest News & Developments
coal
Beyond the smoke in South Africa’s energy revolution
South Africa remains heavily dependent on coal for electricity, with over 74% of its energy still sourced from fossil fuels.
Record gold prices sparkle for miners thanks to Trump tariffs, yet SA’s economy loses its Midas touch
Overnight, Gold miners, Sibanye Stillwater, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony Gold Mining Company advanced 6. 8%, 4. 1%, 3. 1% and 2. 9%, respectively, data from Anchor Capital showed.
SCA orders Minister to enforce air quality regulations in the Highveld
The Supreme Court of Appeal has mandated the Minister of Environmental Affairs to implement air quality regulations in the Highveld Priority Area, following a legal challenge by environmental groups over the government's failure to address severe air pollution affecting residents' health.
Supreme Court of Appeal orders Minister to enforce air quality regulations in the Highveld
The Supreme Court of Appeal has mandated the Minister of Environmental Affairs to implement air quality regulations in the Highveld Priority Area, following a legal challenge by environmental groups over the government's failure to address severe air pollution affecting residents' health.
Market cheers Thungela Resources's robust 2024 results despite coal market challenges
Thungela Resources exceeds production expectations in 2024, with CEO July Ndlovu highlighting a significant turnaround in South African output and a positive market response to strong financial results.
Exxaro appoints Ben Magara as new CEO amid stagnant domestic coal demand
Exxaro Resources faces headwinds as domestic coal demand decreases, though export volumes show promise. With new CEO Ben Magara set to take over in April, the mining giant reports a 22% decrease in EBITDA despite a 5% revenue increase. Rail logistics improvements remain sluggish, affecting overall performance
Clairwood residents raise concerns over proposed logistics park rezoning
Residents of Clairwood express their concerns regarding the eThekwini Municipality’s proposal to rezone their suburb into a logistics park, citing inadequate communication and the need for further consultation.
uMhlathuze takes action against air pollution in Richards Bay
The City of uMhlathuze is intensifying efforts to combat air pollution in Richards Bay by pursuing criminal charges against offenders, following a report highlighting ongoing air quality challenges.
Eskom faces R2. 2 billion municipal debt and ongoing challenges in KwaZulu-Natal
Eskom officials in KwaZulu-Natal discuss the R2. 2 billion municipal debt, illegal connections, and community interference affecting electricity supply, while outlining plans to address these challenges.
Trump in 'no rush' to speak with China's Xi despite tariff battle
Global markets brace for impact as US-China trade tensions escalate, with Trump imposing fresh tariffs on Chinese goods while deliberately postponing talks with President Xi Jinping. Beijing's immediate retaliation with counter-tariffs on US energy and vehicles signals a deepening economic confrontation between the world's largest economies.
SA coal exports caught up in the cross-hairs of US and China tariff wars
China's new 15% tariff on US coal imports could reshape global energy trade patterns, potentially creating valuable opportunities for South African coal exporters. As trade tensions escalate between the world's largest economies, SA's coal industry stands poised to capitalize on market disruptions.
Transnet aims to boost rail capacity by 6 million tons in 2025 despite challenges
Contrary to previous expectations that coal demand peaked in 2019, 2024 saw record levels of production, consumption, and trade.
Parties challenge Nersa's tariff increase
NERSA’s announcement coincided with the release of interim results by Eskom for the period to September 30, 2024 which showed that the utility made a profit of R16-billion in the first six months.
NERSA approves controversial 12. 74% electricity price hike amidst political objections
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has approved a controversial 12. 74% electricity price hike, prompting strong objections from political parties and civil society.
Durban Metro Police address fireworks complaints during festive season
Durban Metro Police received 152 complaints about fireworks during the festive season, prompting discussions on enforcement and community concerns
Preventing service failures: the need for R426 million in eThekwini’s electricity sector
eThekwini Municipality’s electricity unit warns of civil unrest and health hazards due to inadequate funding for maintenance, urging immediate action to secure R426 million for essential services.
Scheduled power interruptions in Hammarsdale: What businesses need to know
Eskom's planned power outages in Mpumalanga township will affect approximately 85 businesses over three weekends as maintenance work is carried out on the electrical infrastructure
Planned power outages in Mpumalanga township as Eskom marks 300 days without loadshedding
Eskom has successfully achieved 300 days without loadshedding, but the eThekwini municipality has announced planned power outages affecting the Mpumalanga township over three weekends in January and February
Coal market outlook: price relief expected in 2025
The outlook for global thermal coal demand faces significant challenges in early 2025. These include slowing economic growth and steel oversupply in China, a stronger US Dollar, and the looming threat of a tariff war.
5 mining trends that are reshaping the industry in 2025 – and how to stay ahead
From the rise of copper to the push for digitalisation, these trends are redefining the landscape and creating new opportunities for forward-thinking mining organisations.
Our actions are to force Eskom to abandon coal, says Groundwork
Groundwork, a South African environmental justice organisation, aims to compel Eskom and the government to prioritise renewable energy following a pivotal High Court ruling against new coal-fired power.
Thungela CEO: Coal and Energy Security: Ensuring a resilient global energy future
A balance between progress and pragmatism to ensure energy security and economic stability. .
Consumers punished for going off the grid
Eskom’s plans to penalise consumers for seeking alternative energy sources highlight the mismanagement and corruption that have plagued the utility.
Eskom's remarkable turnaround: A hopeful outlook for 2025
Despite a challenging year, South Africans can look forward to 2025 with renewed hope. Out of 364 days, we enjoyed 255 days without load shedding—a remarkable turnaround.
Landmark ruling curtails coal-fired power expansion in South Africa
The case was brought by three youth-based civil society organisations