Modern Mining January 2024

The construction of the processing plant at the Gugulethu Colliery.

new 28 t/h filter press system, to process the slurry more efficiently, is scheduled for installation at the plant by early 2024,” explains Steyn. The rst phase of the Gugulethu project is expected to produce 2.4 million t/y of coal, of which 1.2 million t/y will be export quality of 5 500 kc NAR coal. Once mined, Gugulethu’s product will be trans ported 43 kilometres to the Rietkuil siding, and then moved to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal in KwaZulu-Natal. “All of Canyon Coal’s export allocation at the ter minal,” says Steyn, “is in use, but the capacity for Gugulethu’s tonnages will free up when the com pany’s 1.4 million ton-a-year Phalanndwa Colliery in Delmas reaches its end of life in 2024. Canyon Coal exports some of its products through Grindrod’s Terminal de Carvao da Matola port in Maputo.” Social labour plan The revised social and labour plan for Gugulethu has been submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy for final approvals. Once approved it will make way for Canyon Coal to start implementing social upliftment projects, provide training opportunities, bursaries and learn erships to benefit surrounding host communities. “While awaiting this approval, the mine has commenced with skills development for 40 local incumbents and machine operators. Internship opportunities have been advertised and we are in

the final stages of shortlisting. Earlier in the year we also hosted a procurement roadshow to meet local businesses and inform them about the com pany’s way of engaging with suppliers and potential contractors. We have established a functioning com munity forum that ensures the interests of the host communities and the sustainability of the mining operation are looked after,” concludes Steyn. 

Yellow plant machinery started arriving at Gugulethu Colliery in the first six months of development.

Canyon Coal's production  On average Canyon Coal operations collectively produce above 3.2 million tons of coal a year.  Company operations, including Phalanndwa in Delmas and Khanye in Bronkhorstspruit, have collectively produced 2 918 832 tons between the beginning of year (2023) and August.  When Phalanndwa reaches its end-of-life next year, the additional 2,4 mil lion per year tons will come from Gugulethu to maintain production levels.

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January 2024  MODERN MINING  27