Vale to cut iron ore prices by 10pct

by Reuters | 27-AUG-10 | 0 comments

Vale, the world's largest iron ore miner, confirmed it would be cutting its average iron ore prices by 10% in October. Read >

SA coal exports to India double

by Reuters | 19-AUG-10 | 0 comments

South Africa shipped 2.1 million tonnes of thermal coal to India in July, almost double June's 1.2 million tonnes, exporters say. Read >

Optimum coal earnings expected to jump

by I-Net Bridge | 16-AUG-10 | 0 comments

Optimum Coal says it expects its full year earnings per share and headline earnings per share to be more than 20% lower than for the previous financial year. Read >

High stockpiles may slow China's coal shipments

by Reuters | 12-AUG-10 | 0 comments

Some Chinese buyers are seeking to defer the delivery of prompt thermal coal shipments by at least a month, citing high stockpiles at the country's ports, sources from three affected trading firms say. Read >

Firestone Energy increases Waterberg resource

by I-Net Bridge | 12-AUG-10 | 0 comments

Firestone Energy, the Australian resources company that plans to develop coal projects in SA, has announced a significant upgrade of the shallow coal resources within the Waterberg Coal Region. Read >

State intervention debate needed: ANC

by Sapa | 11-AUG-10 | 0 comments

A debate regarding models of "state intervention" should take place within the ANC without necessarily meaning nationalisation, a prominent sub-committee member has said. Read >

CoAL to defend bid to halt mining at Vele

by I-Net Bridge | 05-AUG-10 | 0 comments

South African miner Coal of Africa says it will vigorously defend the appeals brought against its Vele mine on environmental concerns and that they had no basis or legal merit. Read >

Strike didn't hinder coal exports

by I-Net Bridge | 04-AUG-10 | 0 comments

Richards Bay Coal Terminal has managed to increase coal exports in July despite the nine-day strike at the world's largest coal terminal. Read >

CoAL expects 1st sales from Vele in next quarter

by I-Net Bridge | 28-JUL-10 | 0 comments

Coal of Africa says that development of the Vele Project has progressed according to schedule and first sales of coking coal are expected during the next quarter. Read >

Xstrata output disappoints investors

by Reuters | 27-JUL-10 | 0 comments

Xstrata disappointed investors on Tuesday posting slightly weaker than expected production figures, including a dip in copper output. Read >

Petmin spends millions on KZN coal plant

by I-Net Bridge | 22-JUL-10 | 0 comments

Petmin, the multi-commodity mining and processing company, has announced it will spend R120m constructing a second coal processing plant at its Somkhele mine in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Read >

Keaton to supply 16.5mt of coal to Eskom

by I-Net Bridge | 20-JUL-10 | 0 comments

Keaton Energy says its 74%-held subsidiary Keaton Mining has concluded negotiations with Eskom to supply 16.5 million tonnes of steam coal from Phase 2 of its new Vanggatfontein Project near Delmas. Read >

Rio to sell Chapudi coal project

by I-Net Bridge | 12-JUL-10 | 1 comments

Resources giant Rio Tinto has reportedly put its Chapudi coal exploration assets in South Africa up for sale. Read >

RBCT coal exports tumble in May

by Reuters | 08-JUL-10 | 0 comments

South African coal exports from Richards Bay Coal Terminal fell to 4.01 million tonnes in June from 4.6 million in May, exporters said. Read >

Anglo sells Aussie coal assets for $500m

by I-Net Bridge | 05-JUL-10 | 0 comments

Resources giant Anglo American has agreed to sell its interests in five underdeveloped coal assets in Australia for about $500m. Read >

Shanduka workers down tools

by Reuters | 05-JUL-10 | 0 comments

Hundreds of workers at Shanduka Resources' coal mines have downed tools claiming the company had to centralise its bargaining in order to harmonise working conditions at all collieries. Read >

China yet to approve SASOL coal-oil scheme

by Reuters | 21-JUN-10 | 0 comments

China's Ningxia region hopes building work will start this year on a major coal-to-oil project designed by South Africa's SASOL but central government has yet to give the go-ahead. Read >

CoAL to raise R619m for growth, debt payments

by I-Net Bridge | 17-JUN-10 | 1 comments

Coal of Africa Ltd will raise R619m in a rights issue to fund studies into its Makhado project, acquistions of contiguous properties as well as pay down debt. Read >

BHP Billiton in $3bn Liberian iron deal

by I-Net Bridge | 14-JUN-10 | 1 comments

Resources giant BHP Billiton has increased its drive for African iron ore, which will lessen its reliance on Australian mineral stores in the longer term. Read >

Electricity transmission unbundled from Eskom

by Jan de Lange | 14-JUN-10 | 1 comments

A new electricity proposal which has independent transmission unbundled from Eskom at its heart will come into being in three months and be approved by cabinet by September. Read >

Eskom price info 'will scare investors'

by Jan de Lange | 10-JUN-10 | 2 comments

Eskom is refusing to disclose the prices that BHP Billiton pays for electricity, saying that it will scare off future investors. Read >

S.Africa's Transnet seeks bidders for railway lines

by Reuters | 07-JUN-10 | 0 comments

Transnet says it is seeking bidders for concessions to operate some of its 7,300 kilometers of railway lines, but that it will retain ownership of the lines. Read >

Sable adds Zim coal property to portfolio

by I-Net Bridge | 01-JUN-10 | 0 comments

Sable Mining Africa, has secured an 80% interest in Monaf Investments, which holds the Lubu Coal concession in the Bulawayo Mining District of Zimbabwe. Read >

Transnet, state at odds over R750bn plan

by Sapa | 01-JUN-10 | 1 comments

Transnet and the transport department have come in for sharp words from MPs for not having a shared vision for on the future of country's rail and road infrastructure. Read >

Keaton Energy's hard lessons

by Brendan Ryan | 01-JUN-10 | 0 comments

Coal junior Keaton Energy has done the "hard yards" at its Klip colliery including dealing with armed gangs bringing their own tanker trucks to steal diesel fuel. Read >

More interest in Mozambique coal

by Brendan Ryan | 31-MAY-10 | 0 comments

AIM listed Beacon Hill Resources is the latest player to buy into Mozambique's huge Moatize coal field but the bad news is that AMCI Capital is getting out. Read >

Exxaro aims for direct sales to Asia

by Reuters | 31-MAY-10 | 0 comments

South African diversified miner Exxaro Resources is planning to secure direct thermal coal sales contracts to Asia by as early as next year. Read >

Transnet stalls as more strikes loom

by Jan de Lange | 25-MAY-10 | 0 comments

The Transnet strike may spread to other industries if the group's management does not make a small concession on non-pensionable benefits. Read >

JSW makes firm offer for control of SACMH

by I-Net Bridge | 20-MAY-10 | 0 comments

South African Coal Mining Holdings, which is controlled by the Royal Bafokeng, says it has received a firm offer from JSW Energy for control of its company. Read >

Transnet declares force majeure on coal line

by Brendan Ryan | 19-MAY-10 | 0 comments

Transnet has declared force majeure on the coal exporters using the Richards Bay line but this should not hit coal export volumes. Read >

Violence marks start of SA transport strike

by Reuters | 10-MAY-10 | 1 comments

Violence marks the start of a transport strike to demand higher wages for workers in bulk rail transport and ports. Read >

Transnet plans to limit strike impact

by Brendan Ryan | 06-MAY-10 | 0 comments

The ports of Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay have sufficient stockpiles of coal and iron ore to ride out industrial action planned to start on Monday for at least a week. Read >

Optimum eyes FY sales of 5.1m tons to Eskom

by I-Net Bridge | 05-MAY-10 | 0 comments

Optimum Coal estimates that its run-of-mine production for the financial year to end June 2010 is 13.5 million tons from which an estimated 5.0 million export saleable tons and 5.1 million Eskom saleable tons will be produced. Read >

Keaton sees first coal output by year end

by I-Net Bridge | 04-MAY-10 | 0 comments

Emerging South African coal company Keaton Energy says it expects the first coal production by the end of the year. Read >

Wescoal abandons SACMH acquisition

by I-Net Bridge | 04-MAY-10 | 0 comments

Wescoal says its firm intention offer to acquire South African Coal Mining Holdings (SACMH) has lapsed and it no longer intends to proceed with the offer. Read >

Coal mkt shrugs off SA strike threat

by Reuters | 29-APR-10 | 0 comments

Coal markets shrug off South African transport union's strike threat. Read >

SA must source power outside Eskom

by Jan de Lange | 26-APR-10 | 4 comments

Electricity utility Eskom lacks the capacity to grow and other suppliers of power have to be found otherwise South Africa cannot grow, writes Jan de Lange. Read >

BHP probed over Cambodia payment: reports

by AFP | 22-APR-10 | 1 comments

Australian newspapers say the possible corruption uncovered by BHP Billiton is related to payments linked to an abandoned bauxite exploration project in Cambodia. Read >

BHP uncovers "possible" corruption

by AFP, Dow Jones | 21-APR-10 | 2 comments

BHP Billiton, the world's largest resources group, issues a terse statement, saying it has uncovered possible corruption and it is working with US authorities to probe a number of terminated exploration projects. Read >

BHP metals output declines, copper hard hit

by Reuters | 21-APR-10 | 0 comments

BHP Billiton, reports lower quarterly production across metals and coal, with copper particularly hard hit and iron ore lagging that of rival Rio Tinto. Read >

Rail critical in Exxaro's coal plans

by David McKay | 18-APR-10 | 0 comments

Exxaro Resources plans to become South Africa's largest coal exporter and the company has it good at the moment, however, there inevitably a but, writes David McKay. Read >

Govt may help Eskom's Kusile

by Troye Lund | 16-APR-10 | 0 comments

Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan says the state will step in should Eskom's next project Kusile show signs of struggle owing to a lack of funds. Read >

JSW grabs control of SACMH

by Marc Hasenfuss | 16-APR-10 | 1 comments

Indian conglomerate JSW appears to have outflanked Shanduka and Wescoal in a play for suspended coal miner SACMH, writes Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

March 14 podcast

by | 15-APR-10 | 0 comments

The MiningMX team looks into pending changes to laws governing empowerment as well as Exxaro’s coal supply agreement with Eskom. Read >

RBCT coal dispute resolved

by Allan Seccombe | 15-APR-10 | 0 comments

The long-running dispute over allocation of limited haulage capacity for newcomers to Richards Bay Coal Terminal comes to an end, with a compromise that leaves nobody entirely satisfied. Read >

Anglo looks for foreign coal growth

by Brendan Ryan | 12-APR-10 | 2 comments

Anglo sees plenty of growth in South Africa for its domestic coal business but it is looking increasingly outside the country to expand its thermal export coal business. Read >

World Bank approves $3.75bn Eskom loan

by David McKay & I-Net Bridge | 08-APR-10 | 1 comments

After months of uncertainty, the World Bank has approved a loan that will see Medupi built, but there was controversy nonetheless with the US abstaining from voting. Read >

Keaton sues stalling farmers

by Brendan Ryan | 08-APR-10 | 1 comments

Coal junior Keaton Energy is taking legal action against four farmers who are holding back the start of mining operations at its Vanggatfontein project. Read >

Another offer made for SA Coal

by Marc Hasenfuss | 01-APR-10 | 0 comments

A Bombay-listed firm puts in a bit for SA Coal Mining Holdings, but the board prefers the offer from Shanduka, writes Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

Exxaro agrees new coal delivery to Medupi

by Sapa | 31-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Exxaro Resources, the diversified mining firm, has revised the terms of a coal supply contract to Eskom's Medupi project with first coal planned for 2012. Read >

Sentula shareholders OK Kroonfontein acquisition

by I-Net Bridge | 31-MAR-10 | 1 comments

Optimim Coal, the black owned and controlled coal mining and exploration group has announced that Sentula's shareholders have approved its acquisition of the company. Read >

Landmark iron ore move for BHP

by AFP | 30-MAR-10 | 0 comments

BHP Billiton says it will now sell iron ore to most Asian steel mills on a short-term basis, scrapping an annual pricing model that provoked acute tensions with China. Read >

Wescoal to buy SACMH

by Marc Hasenfuss | 29-MAR-10 | 1 comments

Is this the first of a series of deals to consolidate the junior coal segment, asks Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

Optimum Coal lists on JSE

by I-Net Bridge | 29-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Optimum Coal, SA's leading black owned and controlled coal mining and exploration group, has successfully listed in the General Mining sector on the JSE Main Board. Read >

Sesikhona update 'imminent'

by I-Net Bridge | 29-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Exploration firm Miranda says a Sesikhona project update, incorporating a mine plan and off-take information was imminent. Read >

Wescoal's mining venture is buoyant

by Marc Hasenfuss | 24-MAR-10 | 1 comments

Wescoal moves onto the JSE main board, with production on track and an Eskom contract in tow, writes Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

CoAL to proceed with R450m Vele project

by I-Net Bridge | 23-MAR-10 | 1 comments

Coal of Africa said it would proceed with the first phase of its Vele project at a somewhat escalated cost of R450m. Read >

MPs want details on Eskom deals

by Troye Lund | 19-MAR-10 | 1 comments

The government is "concerned" about Eskom's confidential electricity tariff agreements with large industrial groups, says Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan. Read >

SA coal railway can get to 91 million tonnes

by Reuters | 18-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Transnet could up capacity on the coal-carrying railway line to Richards Bay Coal Terminal to 91 million tonnes in the next five years, but the private sector needs to help with funds. Read >

Coal of Africa fails to deliver

by Brendan Ryan | 16-MAR-10 | 1 comments

JSE high flier Coal of Africa, stumbled in the six months to end-December reporting a taxed loss of A$35.2m and incurring "take or pay" penalties on non-delivery of export coal. Read >

Optimum to raise R1.6bn

by Brendan Ryan | 11-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Optimum Coal is looking to raise R1.6bn and could have a market capitalisation of around R8.7bn when it lists on the JSE on March 29 if the share placement is successful. Read >

Exxaro finds investor favour

by Brendan Ryan | 10-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Exxaro finds investor favour as its earnings hold up well and show that it is prepared to take decisive action on parts of its portfolio that aren't performing well. Read >

Xstrata to sell SA mines

by Reuters | 09-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Mining group Xstrata plans to sell its highest-cost thermal coal mines in SA, industry sources say. Read >

Indian firms hungry for SA mines

by Reuters | 09-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Indian companies have stepped up their hunt to buy SA junior coal mines in a bid to secure supply, but are finding attractive assets scarce. Read >

BHP breaks from annual coking coal prices

by Reuters | 08-MAR-10 | 0 comments

BHP Billiton agrees to sell a major portion of its coking coal to Asian and European customers on term contracts in a step towards eliminating annual pricing for steel-making commodities. Read >

Glencore exercises Prodeco coal option

by I-Net Bridge | 05-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Global diversified miner Xstrata, which has alloys, coal and platinum operations in South Africa, says it has received formal notification from Glencore International informing its of Glencore's exercise of its option to acquire the Prodeco coal operations. Read >

SA power crunch expected in 2011

by Reuters | 05-MAR-10 | 0 comments

South Africa will meet its power requirements for the World Cup, but further ahead the situation is much tighter, Eskom's acting CEO says. Read >

Merafe parts company with Sentula

by Brendan Ryan | 02-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Merafe has ended its coal joint venture with Sentula leaving its assets behind for free but CEO Steve Phiri maintains the decision had nothing to do with the fraud uncovered at Sentula. Read >

Koornfontein sale progressing: Sentula

by I-Net Bridge | 01-MAR-10 | 0 comments

Mining services company Sentula says the sale of its 49.9% stake in the Koornfontein coal mine to majority black-owned coal mining company Optimum Coal Holdings for R670m in cash is progressing well. Read >

Tough times for Exxaro

by Brendan Ryan | 25-FEB-10 | 0 comments

Exxaro Resources' earnings took a hammering during 2009 because of higher costs and hefty impairment charges while the group's ambitious expansion plans will cost more and could be delayed. Read >

Eskom 'got what it needed'

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 24-FEB-10 | 0 comments

Energy regulator Nersa says it granted Eskom the tariff increase that was needed, not just what the power utility wanted. Read >

Optimum Coal eyes up to $500m IPO

by Reuters | 17-FEB-10 | 0 comments

Optimum Coal seeks to raise $300-$500m in an initial public offering on the JSE, valuing the company at $1bn-$1.5bn, sources say. The bookbuilding is to run between 1 and 12 March. Read >

Independent power by end-2010

by Troye Lund | 12-FEB-10 | 1 comments

South Africa's government vows the policies needed to allow independent power producers to contribute to the national grid will be in place by the end of 2010. Read >

Harmony Gold or is that Harmony Gold Corp?

by Miningmx | 12-FEB-10 | 0 comments

What's all this, someone in Canada may be in trouble for taking the Harmony Gold name. One of the world's top commodity traders opens the doors to the fourth estate. Why on earth do that? Read >

RBCT to reclaim top spot

by I-Net Bridge | 04-FEB-10 | 0 comments

South Africa's Richards Bay Coal Terminal says it is on track to reclaim its single largest export coal terminal status in the world by Q2 2010. Read >

Firestone's PFS shows 21-yr mine life

by I-Net Bridge | 03-FEB-10 | 0 comments

Firestone Energy said on Wednesday that its recent pre-feasibility study (PFS) completed for first stage pit on Smitspan Farm has shown a 21 year mine life with production up to 7mtpa saleable product. Read >

CoAL awarded new order mining rights

by I-Net Bridge | 02-FEB-10 | 1 comments

Coal of Africa has been granted by the Department of Mineral Resources an unconditional New Order Mining Right (NOMR) for the Vele coking coal project near Musina in the Limpopo Province in which CoAL currently holds an 80% interest. Read >

Firestone to finalise pre-feasibility by Feb

by I-Net Bridge | 29-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Firestone Energy, an independent Australian exploration company focused on developing coal projects in SA, says it expects to finalise a review of a pre-feasibility study on its Waterberg Coal JV Project in early February. Read >

NuCoal acquisition will transform CoAL

by I-Net Bridge | 29-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Coal of Africa Limited, the coal development company operating in South Africa, says the acquisition of NuCoal Mining would transform the company into a multiple product producer. Read >

Anglo Coal gets out of Venezuela

by Brendan Ryan | 29-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Anglo American is selling off assets in Venezuela and Canada in a further restructuring of subsidiary Anglo Coal. Read >

CoAL acquires NuCoal Mining for R467m

by I-Net Bridge | 28-JAN-10 | 0 comments

CoAL acquires NuCoal Mining for R467m. Read >

Exxaro faces tough call on coal exports

by Brendan Ryan | 28-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Exxaro Resources could have to cut production on its export coal mines because of the shortfall on rail capacity to meet the Phase Five capacity of the Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Read >

Three new coal listings for the JSE

by Brendan Ryan | 28-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Three coal companies are to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange this year with one of them also going for a dual listing on London's AIM bourse. Read >

Eskom drops long-term coal use forecast

by Reuters | 27-JAN-10 | 1 comments

Eskom drops its long-term coal demand forecast. Read >

Transnet guarantees 65mt for Richards Bay

by Brendan Ryan | 27-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Transnet Freight Rail has committed itself to delivering 65mt of coal to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal this year but hopes to better that target. Read >

Power sector needs a revamp

by Jan de Lange | 25-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The size of the electricity industry mess has become much clearer during the countrywide hearings held by the National Energy Regulator, writes Jan de Lange. Read >

'No hope for Eskom Kusile plan'

by Jan de Lange | 22-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Experts say Eskom won't find a private partner for the Kusile power station - a precondition for reducing its tariff hikes. Read >

Ten coal miners arrested

by Sapa | 21-JAN-10 | 0 comments

Ten coal miners arrested in KwaZulu-Natal. Read >

Govt garage sale to fund Eskom

by Jan de Lange | 21-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The sale of some Eskom assets like power stations is one of the means government is considering to find alternative revenue sources to tariff increases. Read >

BHP upbeat; eyes China commodities hunger

by Reuters | 20-JAN-10 | 0 comments

BHP Billiton says China's commodities demand surges in the last quarter of 2009, but it warned that a removal of a stimulus package there could slow recovery. Read >

Riversdale gets Mozambique nod

by Brendan Ryan | 19-JAN-10 | 1 comments

Australian junior Riversdale Mining now has environmental approval to build a coal-fired power station near Tete as part of its ambitious development plans. Read >

Medupi to be ready 'on time'

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 18-JAN-10 | 1 comments

Eskom has said it is on schedule with the construction of the Medupi power station in Limpopo, but is facing a year's delay at the Kusile plant in Mpumalanga. Read >

Pricey power 'may court collapse'

by Nicole Rego | 15-JAN-10 | 0 comments

The South African economy could shed half a million jobs if Eskom's proposed tariff hikes go ahead, according to the country's main chambers of business. Read >

Eskom 'needs urgent surgery'

by James-Brent Styan | 12-JAN-10 | 1 comments

Eskom executives have been defending the utility's steep tariff hike proposal, saying that the economy won't survive without it. Read >

Richards Bay coal exports sag

by Brendan Ryan | 05-JAN-10 | 2 comments

The Richards Bay Coal Terminal recorded its lowest export volumes in more than a decade during 2009 mainly because of delivery problems by Transnet Freight Rail. Read >

Sentula gets R500m in rights offer

by Miningmx reporter | 15-DEC-09 | 0 comments

Sentula Mining has raised R500m in a rights offer the proceeds of which would go towards recapitalising the debt-stricken firm. Read >

Richards Bay admits hold-up

by Brendan Ryan | 14-DEC-09 | 0 comments

The Richards Bay Coal Terminal has confirmed that a complicated new computer system will delay commissioning of the R1.2bn Phase Five expansion to April 2010 Read >

Bottlenecks may lift coal prices

by Reuters | 11-DEC-09 | 0 comments

Coal prices may receive a boost as ports in Australia and South Africa struggle to cope with freight volume, analysts say. Read >

Coal, platinum hinders production

by Sapa | 10-DEC-09 | 0 comments

South Africa's total mining production has dropped, with platinum, coal and manganese ore contributing to the decrease, says Statistics SA. Read >

Kusile should not be built - WWF

by Francois Williams | 10-DEC-09 | 1 comments

Eskom's planned Kusile power station would be imperilled if the South African government were serious about greenhouse gas emissions, says WWF South Africa. Read >

Goedgevonden signs 17yr Eskom deal

by I-Net Bridge | 08-DEC-09 | 0 comments

Diversified mining group Xstrata and ARM Coal's Goedgevonden Colliery has signed a 17-year supply agreement with power utility Eskom. Read >

Eskom to review Exxaro coal supply deal

by Reuters | 08-DEC-09 | 0 comments

Diversified miner Exxaro Resources has received notice from state power utility Eskom seeking to review its coal supply agreement. Read >

Another delay for the RBCT

by Brendan Ryan | 07-DEC-09 | 0 comments

To err is human. To really foul things up takes a computer and computer glitches are causing a further setback for the Phase Five expansion of the Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Read >

Eskom loses power monopoly

by James-Brent Styan | 04-DEC-09 | 1 comments

The South African government has opened the door for independent power producers by announcing a new national resource plan. Read >

Margin shrivels for Wescoal

by Marc Hasenfuss | 02-DEC-09 | 0 comments

Wescoal sacrificed margin in favour of keeping market share with the result that earnings were smacked in the six months ended September. Read >

S.African power problems loom

by James-Brent Styan | 02-DEC-09 | 1 comments

South Africans can expect renewed power supply problems from 2011, Eskom has warned. Read >

Exxaro cuts mineral sands for coal

by David McKay | 01-DEC-09 | 3 comments

Exxaro Resources said it was ready to incur a R1.5bn impairment after deciding to shut some mineral sands assets in an effort to focus on financing its coal projects. Read >

New power station much pricier

by James-Brent Styan | 01-DEC-09 | 1 comments

The cost of a new Eskom power station has apparently climbed by R100bn in three years. Read >

Eskom lowers tariff request

by Reuters | 01-DEC-09 | 0 comments

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa says power utility Eskom has lowered its request for an increase in tariffs. Read >

Eskom may revise tariff proposal

by Allan Seccombe | 30-NOV-09 | 1 comments

South African power utility Eskom prepares to revise down its tariff hike proposal after its initial suggestion of an annual 45% over three years provoked howls of dismay from across all sectors. Read >

Sentula hit by profit slump

by Brendan Ryan | 27-NOV-09 | 0 comments

Shares in Sentula Mining have fallen after the release of disappointing interim results for the six months to end-September. Read >

Eskom and the mining industry

by Brendan Ryan | 20-NOV-09 | 0 comments

It would be tragic if South African misses out on the next commodities boom because of Eskom, where a board room battle has damaged investor sentiment. Read >

Eskom puts Kusile contracts on hold

by Sapa | 19-NOV-09 | 1 comments

South African energy utility Eskom puts contracts on hold at its Kusile power station because of revenue uncertainty. Read >

Farmers demand immediate colliery closure

by Elise Tempelhoff | 11-NOV-09 | 0 comments

Farmers in Mpumalanga are threatening legal action against the government if it doesn't close a coal mine they allege is illegal and damaging the environment. Read >

HCI sees traction at coal venture

by Marc Hasenfuss | 10-NOV-09 | 1 comments

There is still a long haul as HCI management frets over margin squeeze at its flagship coal mine, writes Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

Eskom in dispute with coal suppliers

by Reuters | 09-NOV-09 | 1 comments

Eskom is in dispute with coal suppliers. Read >

Rail study starts into Waterberg coal line

by Brendan Ryan | 04-NOV-09 | 0 comments

A feasibility study will be conducted next year by Transnet into a R3.9bn project to up capacity of the rail line linking Witbank to the Waterberg coal field. Read >

BHP Billiton to invest US$10bn during 2010

by I-Net Bridge | 29-OCT-09 | 0 comments

BHP Billiton plans to invest about $10bn in capital and exploration expenditure during 2010. Read >

Transnet to raise $500m

by Reuters | 29-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Transnet looked to initially raise $500m for expansion projects. Read >

One dead in SA coal mine blast

by Sapa | 27-OCT-09 | 1 comments

One miner was killed and 15 others hurt in an explosion at a coal mine in KwaZulu-Natal. Read >

Currencies, Asia demand to lift Europe coal prices

by Reuters | 21-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Coal prices are likely to rise as the follow gains in the 'coal currencies". Read >

BHP sounds a cautious note

by Allan Seccombe | 21-OCT-09 | 0 comments

BHP Billiton's copper output slides on Olympic Dam woes, but its South African businesses show improved output compared to the June quarter. Read >

BHP fails to shine

by Reuters | 21-OCT-09 | 0 comments

BHP Billiton fails to shine in its September quarter and declares force majeure at its Olympic Dam uranium and copper mine. Read >

BHP, Norilsk to mine for coal

by Reuters | 16-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Norilsk Nickel will start mining coal with BHP Billiton in the Russian Arctic from 2015. Read >

Sentula stays with coal

by | 15-OCT-09 | 0 comments

The Miningmx team chats to Sentula CEO Robin Berry about the company's plans to raise money. We also take a look at Eskom's shocking tariff price increase plans. Time 10:28. Read >

Shanduka buys SACMH RBCT allocation

by Reuters | 12-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Shanduka Coal buys 500,000 tonnes of RBCT export allocation from South African Coal Mining Holdings. Read >

Riversdale Zambeze coal resources at 1.7 bln T

by Reuters | 12-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Riversdale says its Zambeze coal is similar to that at Benga and that it will target steel industries in Brazil and India. Read >

Sentula opts for Koornfontein sale

by Allan Seccombe | 12-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Sentula, a contract miner, is opting for a R686m sale of its stake in the Koornfontein colliery rather than embark on a rights issue at a heavy discount. But there is a big risk in this strategy. Read >

Wallington to head Firestone

by Brendan Ryan | 09-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Experienced and highly respected mining executive John Wallington, former CEO of Anglo Coal, is the new temporary MD of JSE and ASX-listed Firestone Energy. Read >

Sentula prepares for R500m rights issue

by Allan Seccombe | 06-OCT-09 | 0 comments

Sentula moves closer to a critical R500m rights issue as part of a R1.6bn restructuring plan that could mark a turn in the company's fortunes. Read >

Mozambique coal railway ready by 2015

by Reuters | 05-OCT-09 | 0 comments

A $500m railway will be built by 2015 to transport coal from Mozambique's Moatize coalfields to the port of Nacala, a government minister says. Read >

Zim economy weighs on Hwange

by Ines Schumacher | 30-SEP-09 | 0 comments

Zimbabwe-based Hwange Colliery's coal sales halved over the past six months as that country's economy crimps demand for its products. Read >

Anglo warns of market uncertainty

by Allan Seccombe | 28-SEP-09 | 0 comments

Anglo American CEO Cynthia Carroll warns of near-term commodity market uncertainty and gives the Australian government a tough message about the future of that country's coal industry. Read >

BHP agrees to Newcastle coal port restructuring

by Reuters | 18-SEP-09 | 0 comments

A group of coal miners led by BHP Billiton have agreed on a restructuring plan for Australia Newcastle port, paving the way for a significant boost in exports over the next decade. Read >

Indian NTPC looks at $1bn SA coal buy

by Reuters | 15-SEP-09 | 0 comments

India's largest power group NTPC is preparing to buy a South African coal firm for $1bn. Read >

CoAL loads first train at Mooiplaats

by I-Net Bridge | 15-SEP-09 | 1 comments

Coal of Africa Limited has successfully completed its first sale and loading of its first train of mid volatile "lean" coal mined at the company's Mooiplaats thermal coal project. Read >

New fund targets energy projects

by Brendan Ryan | 14-SEP-09 | 1 comments

Shareholders in a new private equity firm will be able to invest in South African coal and renewable energy projects while getting a tax break at the same time. Read >

Gujarat Ambuja seeks SA coal

by Reuters | 14-SEP-09 | 0 comments

Indian cement maker Gujarat Ambuja seeks 200,000 tonnes of South African coal for fourth quarter shipment. Read >

Exxaro quits Sasol JV

by Brendan Ryan | 14-SEP-09 | 1 comments

Exxaro Resources has pulled out of a coal export JV with Sasol Mining while the dispute over who will get what export quotas through Richards Bay remains unresolved. Read >

Waterberg project moves ahead after fund raising

by I-Net Bridge | 11-SEP-09 | 0 comments

Firestone Energy has raised A$25 million and the company will press ahead with a full scale bankable feasibility study for its Waterberg coal project. Read >

Coal transport under scrutiny

by Brendan Ryan | 08-SEP-09 | 1 comments

Despite the strategic aim of getting more coal onto rail many South African coal producers may have to "keep on truckin" which poses serious safety risks. Read >

India needs SA coal

by Brendan Ryan | 07-SEP-09 | 0 comments

Eskom faces stiff competition for lower-grade South African coal from India which has embarked on a huge power station expansion programme. Read >

Action at Sephaku

by Marc Hasenfuss | 04-SEP-09 | 0 comments

Indian conglomerate backs newly listed exploration company in pursuit of coal projects, writes Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

Transnet CEO race turns hostile

by Sikonathi Mantshantsha | 02-SEP-09 | 1 comments

The struggle for the top job at state-owned freight and logistics company Transnet has spilled into open warfare with the top contender suspended. Read >

ARM kicks up a gear

by Ines Schumacher | 31-AUG-09 | 0 comments

UPDATED- African Rainbow Minerals is forging ahead with production ramp ups across iron ore, coal and nickel despite a 42% loss in headline earnings. Read >

Sephaku lists orphan assets

by Ines Schumacher | 21-AUG-09 | 2 comments

JSE newcomer Sephaku Holdings has adopted a variety of unwanted assets from South Africa’s major miners. Read >

Coal quarrel nears climax

by Brendan Ryan | 20-AUG-09 | 0 comments

The long-running dispute over coal exports between Richards Bay Coal Terminal shareholders and Phase 5 expansion newcomers may come to a head next week. Read >

Waterberg coal for Witbank power stations

by Brendan Ryan | 20-AUG-09 | 2 comments

Eskom could need around 30mt of coal to be supplied annually from mines in the Waterberg to keep its existing Mpumalanga power stations going. Read >

Eskom's coal conundrum

by James-Brent Styan | 19-AUG-09 | 0 comments

Eskom's short-term coal contracts expire early next year, but the utility says it will be unable to manage without this expensive source of supply until 2018. Read >

Rio to list US coal business by end of year

by I-Net Bridge | 13-AUG-09 | 0 comments

Resources giant Rio Tinto plans a separate listing for its US coal business on the New York Stock Exchange. Read >

Sentula in R500m rights offer

by Ines Schumacher | 13-AUG-09 | 0 comments

Sentula plans a R500m rights offer to lessen the impact of an onerous restructuring of a R1.6bn debt facility. Read >

BHP ups dividend despite falling profit

by Allan Seccombe | 12-AUG-09 | 2 comments

Record cash flows and sound margins position BHP Billiton ahead of its peers, allowing it to pay an increased dividend. Read >

SA coal industry blighted by failure

by Brendan Ryan | 09-AUG-09 | 0 comments

Tales of woe outnumber success stories in the South African coal sector which should be well poised to deliver fantastic returns over the next 12 months. Read >

CoAL extends terms of BEE agreement

by I-Net Bridge | 03-AUG-09 | 0 comments

Coal of Africa has extended its black economic empowerment agreement with Coal Investments Limited for a third time to end September this year. Read >

Xstrata coal production up 11%

by Reuters | 28-JUL-09 | 0 comments

Stronger coal output in Australia compensated for weaker production in South Africa, said global mining group Xstrata. Read >

SA gold wage deal within reach

by Ines Schumacher | 27-JUL-09 | 0 comments

South Africa's gold and coal mining sectors may wrap up two-year wage talks with trade unions on Tuesday after a "favourable" offer. Read >

India pays highest prices for SA coal

by Reuters | 27-JUL-09 | 0 comments

India is paying the highest prices for South African spot coal. The spread between the country's coal and that of Pacific origin has widened. Read >

Coal mining industry makes final wage offer

by I-Net Bridge | 22-JUL-09 | 0 comments

The Collieries members of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa offered trade unions a final wage offer on Wednesday. Read >

Keaton pushes ahead with Sterkfontein extension

by I-Net Bridge | 22-JUL-09 | 1 comments

Emerging South African coal company Keaton Energy expects to begin exploration drilling by mid-August 2009 on the recently acquired extension to its Sterkfontein project. Read >

SA coal sector thriving

by Ines Schumacher | 22-JUL-09 | 1 comments

Coal dust systems manufacturer Colliery Dust Control says it's full steam ahead for the South African coal industry notwithstanding the economic crisis. Read >

Commodities demand view muddied

by Allan Seccombe | 22-JUL-09 | 0 comments

BHP Billiton's June quarter iron ore output dips. It says stocking and destocking of inventories are masking underlying demand trends, which it regards as modest. Read >

Don't give Wescoal the 'coal' shoulder

by Marc Hasenfuss | 17-JUL-09 | 0 comments

There have already been a couple of disappointments in the coal sector and it’s at this difficult juncture that Wescoal has caught our eye. Read >

Anglo coal mine to supply Eskom in 2012

by Reuters | 15-JUL-09 | 0 comments

Anglo American said the new Largo mine would come on stream by 2012 to 2013 and would supply 15 million tonnes a year to Eskom. Read >

Coal completes Limpopo acquisition

by I-Net Bridge | 14-JUL-09 | 0 comments

Coal of Africa has concluded agreements enabling it to buy the remaining 26% interest in Limpopo Coal Company. Read >

CoAL revisits Mooiplaats project plan

by I-Net Bridge | 13-JUL-09 | 0 comments

Coal of Africa said it had revisited the prospects for its Mooiplaats thermal coal project and said it had revised the mining layout. Read >

RBCT coal exports rise in June

by Reuters | 07-JUL-09 | 0 comments

Coal exports through Richards Bay Coal Terminal rise to 5.5 million tonnes in June, up from 3.8 million tonnes in the previous month. Read >

Exxaro faces coal export knock

by Brendan Ryan | 02-JUL-09 | 0 comments

In the latest chapter of the coal export allocation saga the Richards Bay Coal Terminal seems determined to restrict access by the Phase Five newcomers. Read >

Exxaro, Sasol in coal JV for fuel plant

by Reuters | 01-JUL-09 | 0 comments

Sasol, the world's largest maker of liquid fuel from coal, has agreed with Exxaro Resources to build a mine to supply a new 80,000 barrels per day plant. Read >

Wescoal shoots out lights

by Marc Hasenfuss | 30-JUN-09 | 0 comments

Wescoal reports improved margins and strong operational cash flows, a performance based on its merchanting skills. Read >

Transnet wants more coal exports

by Brendan Ryan | 24-JUN-09 | 1 comments

The Richards Bay coal exporters are not producing at anything like the volume that Transnet is able to handle according to CEO Chris Wells. Read >

Sentula names fraudulent director

by Ines Schumacher | 24-JUN-09 | 0 comments

Sentula has implicated its former financial director Jason Holland in the R242m fraud case reported last year. Read >

Xstrata/Anglo deal could rattle steel makers

by Reuters | 22-JUN-09 | 0 comments

A $68bn tie up between coal giants Xstrata and Anglo American would rattle the global steel industry already digesting a possible joint venture between its biggest iron ore suppliers. Read >

Transport knobbles Russia coal exports

by Reuters | 19-JUN-09 | 0 comments

Experts say Russian infrastructure must improve to up coal exports. Export volumes are seen remaining steady despite coal output cuts. Read >

Coal companies make new wage offer

by Miningmx reporter | 18-JUN-09 | 0 comments

Coal mining companies have made an offer in the latest round of wage talks which Solidarity will take back to its members. Read >

Keaton's Delmas coal project advances

by Allan Seccombe | 17-JUN-09 | 0 comments

Keaton Energy starts talking to customers now that its mining right is in place for its Delmas thermal and metallurgical coal project. Read >

Coal terminal expansion delayed to Q4

by Reuters | 15-JUN-09 | 0 comments

The completion of a project to expand the Richards Bay Coal Terminal export facility has been delayed to the fourth quarter of 2009 from a 1 July target. Read >

Homeland wants Valli Moosa

by Brendan Ryan | 11-JUN-09 | 0 comments

TSX-listed Homeland Energy wants to appoint former Eskom chairman Valli Moosa to its board as it pushes ahead with two coal projects in South Africa. Read >

'Coal firms choke Eskom'

by James-Brent Styan | 09-JUN-09 | 2 comments

Coal companies are exploiting Eskom and ordinary consumers are having to foot the bill, the National Energy Regulator hears. Read >

SA slow in tapping coal bed methane potential

by Reuters | 05-JUN-09 | 0 comments

South Africa needs to invest in gas infrastructure and exploration and involve the country's coal mining majors to develop a coal bed methane (CBM) industry. Read >

Rio Tinto SA coal project mulls power station

by Reuters | 05-JUN-09 | 0 comments

Rio Tinto's Chapudi coal project in South Africa, with estimated resources of 1 billion tonnes, is studying the possibility of supporting a power station to ease electricity shortages. Read >

Keaton watches its cash

by Brendan Ryan | 28-MAY-09 | 0 comments

Keaton Energy intended husbanding its cash resources as it planned to build its first large coal mine under current tough market conditions. Read >

Sam Jonah quits as Sentula chairman

by Brendan Ryan | 20-MAY-09 | 0 comments

Just when it looked like troubled coal miner Sentula had finally stabilised itself chairman Sam Jonah has stepped down although he will remain a non-executive director. Read >

Asenjo Energy to boost southern Africa power

by Reuters | 13-MAY-09 | 0 comments

Asenjo Energy will wrap up a pre-feasibility study by mid-2010 into a billion tonne coal deposit in Botswana that could be a supplier of coal to the region as well as a power source, but much depends on funding. Read >

Gold, coal sector wage talks start next week

by Reuters | 13-MAY-09 | 0 comments

South Africa's gold producers and unions kick off wage negotiations next week. Workers have demanded pay increases nearly double the inflation rate. Read >

UG2: digging deeper

by Marc Hasenfuss | 12-MAY-09 | 0 comments

More facts and more intrigue around unlisted exploration company’s coal project, writes Marc Hasenfuss. Read >

SA port woes trouble Indian coal buyers

by Reuters | 10-MAY-09 | 0 comments

Indian coal buyers are avoiding shipping from the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, put off by much slower bunker fuelling and higher bunker prices. Read >

New Mozambique coal, oil port approved

by Reuters | 08-MAY-09 | 2 comments

Mozambique goes ahead with a deep-water port that can handle 50 million tonnes of heavy cargo a year. Read >

Keaton Energy thinks small

by Brendan Ryan | 06-MAY-09 | 0 comments

Keaton Energy intends building a number of small, short-life coal mines to boost cash flow while its big projects are under development. Read >

Xstrata shares up on output report

by Reuters | 05-MAY-09 | 1 comments

Xstrata's shares rise on its first quarter production report that came in slightly ahead of market expectations. Coal output is buoyed by its Colombian coal acquisition. Read >

Afternoons are "a killer" on SA mines

by Ines Schumacher | 17-MAR-09 | 0 comments

Exxaro finds that afternoons are the most dangerous times on its mines. Its findings could help other mining firms reduce the death toll on South African mines which already stands at 34 this year. Read >

Exxaro looks at new coal mine

by Brendan Ryan | 24-FEB-09 | 0 comments

Exxaro is considering building a new coal mine in the Waterberg near its existing flagship Grootegeluk colliery which is already being greatly expanded. Read >

CoAL demands action from SA's bureaucrats

by Brendan Ryan | 17-FEB-09 | 0 comments

Coal of Africa's down-to-earth Aussie MD Simon Farrell wants South Africa's civil servants to "get off their bums" and get on with their jobs at a faster rate. Read >

Coking coal cutbacks grow apace

by Allan Seccombe | 05-FEB-09 | 0 comments

UPDATED - Coking coal producers in the United States and Australia are taking strain because of the downturn in the global steel market. The 32 million tonnes already taken off the market will likely grow to 40 million tonnes. Read >

Eskom swings back towards coal

by Brendan Ryan | 23-JAN-09 | 18 comments

Eskom says SA’s next base load power project may well be a coal-fired plant, after the power utility dropped plans to build a nuclear station because of cost concerns Read >

Eskom: one year later

by Brendan Ryan | 21-JAN-09 | 0 comments

The commodities slump has granted power utility Eskom a temporary reprieve – but it cannot relax its efforts to avoid a repeat performance of 2008’s load-shedding fiasco Read >

A year-long mission to eradicate anti-competitive behaviour within Sasol - Pat Davies, CEO

by | 20-JAN-09 | 0 comments

Sasol has embarked on a year-long review of its businesses to scrub out anti-competitive behaviour, says CEO Pat Davies. Read >