Name and location
Belfast coal project, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Client
Exxaro Resources.

Project description
The proposed coal project entails the development of a combined openpit and underground mine to produce an estimated 2.2-million tonnes a year of A-grade thermal coal.

The mine will produce coal for export and to supply one of the state-owned power utility Eskom’s plants.

Value
Exxaro plans to spend R3.8-billion on building the mine.

Duration
The mine is forecast to start output in the second half of 2017.

Latest developments
Exxaro has approved the Belfast coal project, saying that it “encompasses one of the last high-quality reserves” in the region and “presents Exxaro with an opportunity for excellent returns.”

About R3.6-billion of the approved spending will take place only once Exxaro gets the necessary licences and regulatory approvals.

Key Contractors and Suppliers
None stated.

On budget and on time?
Too early to state.

Contact details for project information
Exxaro Resources manager, external stakeholder relations Hilton Atkinson, tel +27 12 307 4843 or email hilton.atkinson@exxaro.com.