Minister Gwede Mantashe says coal industry is evolving, not dying, as Exxaro opens new Matla mine

MINERAL and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has said that South Africa’s coal industry is evolving through innovation, beneficiation and cleaner technologies, rather than facing extinction.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

MINERAL and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and Exxaro CEO Ben Magara cut the ribbon at the opening of Exxaro Resources' New Mine 1 operation at its Matla Coal Mine in Mpumalanga on Friday. | SUPPLIED

(SUPPLIED)

This comes as Exxaro Resources officially opened its New Mine 1 operation at the Matla coal mine in Mpumalanga on Friday.

Speaking at the launch, Mantashe pushed back against claims that coal is a declining industry, arguing that the sector remains central to South Africa's energy security and industrial development.

“People have often said that coal is a dying industry because of concerns around pollution. However, the industry continues to evolve, particularly through improvements in mining safety and ongoing investment in innovation and research. Coal miners should never be ashamed of the work they do,” he said.

Mantashe, who previously worked at Matla mine as a miner and union organiser, described the opening of the new shaft as symbolic of coal’s continued relevance in the South African economy.