Department of Mineral Resources
The mineral resources minister, Susan Shabangu, has indicated that the council for geosciences has completed its study on South Africa’s coal resources and reserves.
She revealed this during an address at the latest South African Coal Export Conference in Cape Town.
The minister added that a report encapsulating the key findings of the study was being compiled.
She confirmed that the report was likely to be released during the first half of 2012.
The release of the report would:
• Provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the coal industry’s future
• Help government to plan for security of supply
• Provide opportunities for the growth and expansion of the local industry
The minister also pointed out that the mining growth, development and employment task team (MIGDETT) had decided to form a coal sector subcommittee.
The subcommittee will be tasked with formulating a strategy to ensure the survival of the local coal industry.
“In so doing, stakeholders hope to speed up the resolution of problems facing the sector while accelerating the implementation of the agenda to address the national developmental challenges of the 21st century”.
The minister gave the assurance that government would continue to take actions that contributed towards the growth of the local coal industry.
A key component of government’s intervention revolved around the provision of necessary infrastructure.
This was being achieved through the presidential integrated infrastructure planning committee.
Infrastructural constraints had been identified by MIGDETT as one of the obstacles facing the local industry.
Others include the skills shortage and access to rail and port facilities.
In terms of safety in coal mines, the minister, while acknowledging recent advances in safety awareness, drew attention to “signs that the dark clouds of complacency are creeping in at a time when we can least afford them to do so”.
This could, if left unchecked, undermine the recent gains in safety recorded by the coal industry.
Sabinet Cape Town Office
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