South African Coal

South African Coal

South Africa remains one of the most important coal producing countries in the world—not only because it is the seventh largest global coal exporter, but also because it burns substantial amounts of thermal coal for generating and delivering electricity. The easy and direct access to abundant thermal coal as well as its use as a cheap energy source has meant that four main markets have developed for South African coals over the years since is discovery. These four markets include the global export market, the domestic synfuels market, the domestic energy supply, and the domestic heating and industrial use.

Approximately 27% of all saleable coal produced in South Africa is exported to energy providers, cement, and metallurgical plants in mainly Europe, South America, China, and India.