What we learned from this year's Coaltech Colloquium

The 2024 Coaltech Colloquium brought together industry experts, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of coal in South Africa. Here are the key takeaways from the event:

1. Coaltech's refreshed agenda

Avhurengwi Nengovhela, the new CEO of Coaltech, presented the refreshed mission and strategic direction of Coaltech. The refreshed mission is for Coaltech:

To be the catalyst for SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION and INNOVATION in the coal industry through world-class application of research & development, driving the ADOPTION OF CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGIES, while exploring ALTERNATIVE USES OF COAL to ensure the sector's long-term viability in a LOW-CARBON EMISSIONS FUTURE.

Nengovhela highlighted the importance of membership growth, inviting organizations to join Coaltech in driving industry transformation. For more information on how to join please contact us at [email protected]. The presentation concluded with a call to action for organizations to become members and actively participate in shaping the future of coal.

2. Alternative Uses of Coal

Professor Samson Bada, University of the Witwatersrand shared groundbreaking research on alternative uses of coal, and concluded that:

• South Africa's coal resources are an asset that can be utilized as a raw material in the production of new and high-value products that are crucial for the nation's economic growth.
• The future lies in reinventing our diverse coal quality, which includes discards from different dumps, for applications beyond combustion.
• A next-generation coal value chain and market can be built, but the transition must begin within the coal industry.

These innovations can revolutionize the coal industry, making it more sustainable and economically viable.

3. Key Insights from Other Presentations

- Professor Wayne F. Truter, Universities of the Free State and Pretoria, delivered a presentation on Land Rehabilitation to demonstrate the feasibility of using regenerative integrated cropping and livestock business models for mine closure, creating sustainable agricultural opportunities.

- Glencore's Gerhard Stenzel's Best Practice Guidelines for Spontaneous Combustion Management - provided practical solutions for managing spontaneous combustion in opencast coal mines, emphasizing early detection and innovative treatment methods.

- Jones and Wagener's Adriaan Oosthuizen's Guidelines on Bulking and Settling Factors offered valuable data on bulking and settling factors for opencast coal mines in Mpumalanga, aiding in mine planning and rehabilitation.

4. Maria Heyneke's Presentation on Relinquishment Criteria for Mine Closure

Maria Heyneke from Jones and Wagener emphasized the need for agreed relinquishment criteria to ensure the successful transfer of ownership and responsibility for former mine sites. This approach aims to eliminate immediate harm to human health and the environment while creating opportunities for sustainable post-mining land use.

5. Jo Vani van Brakel's Presentation on SepAir Dry Processing Technology

Glencore Coal and North-West University's Jo Vani van Brakel introduced the SepAir technology, a new dry beneficiation method for coal. The SepAir offers lower capital and operating costs, and is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional wet beneficiation methods. The technology has shown high separation efficiencies in pilot tests, making it a promising solution for coal processing.

6. North West University's Professor Marco. le Roux's dry processing Technologies presentation discussed advancements in dry processing methods, focusing on environmental benefits and cost savings.

7. Michael van Schoor of the CSIR delivered a presentation to demonstrate the efficiency of UAV-GPR for assessment of rehabilitation sites and detection of subsurface cavities. On a separate topic, Inus Labuschangne presented a groundbreaking study that's underway to investigate the life sustainability of refuge bays in underground collieries.

7. Anthin Botes, presented an alternative way of rehabilitating wetlands through the Dongalock system. He highlighted the importance of addressing environmental impacts through innovative solutions and effective management practices.

Chairman’s Closing Remarks

Chairman Mr. Phillip Mulder thanked all researchers for their dedication and the attendees for their participation. He also acknowledged Henk Lodewijks, the outgoing CEO, for his contributions and welcomed Avhurengwi Nengovhela as the incoming CEO.

The 2024 Coaltech Colloquium showcased the significant strides being made in the coal industry towards creating alternative uses of coal, sustainability and innovation. By embracing new technologies and practices, the coal industry can achieve a balance between the changing energy landscape, economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

Coaltech wishes to thank Mr. Layton Nenzinane, Seriti Green's CFO for delivering the keynote address covering the role of coal in the future of energy, the just transition and the socio-economic considerations thereof. He challenged the attendees to join the conversation and not be bystanders.

We further wish to thank our steering committee chairpersons for their dedication to delivering high quality projects. Gavin Silver, Marthinus W. van Wyk and Maynard Lombard.

Thank you to everyone who came through to support the day. #strongertogether

Join us on this journey towards a sustainable future for coal! ??????

Send a note to [email protected] to find out how your organization can become a member and be part of the evolution.

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