All stakeholders should recommit to the development of the Waterberg coalfields in tandem with neighbouring Botswana in order to unlock the entire region’s coal potential and improve transport economics, Exxaro Resources CEO designate Mxolisi Mgojo said last week.

Speaking at the 2016 Investing in African Mining Indaba, Mgojo said that the Waterberg continued to represent “a very good opportunity for all stakeholders” even though its developmental momentum had stalled, owing to market conditions.

He said Exxaro’s future was inextricably linked to the cross-border opening of the Waterberg coalfields, including Botswana.

The JSE-listed company, which had managed to extract value from the Waterberg through a product beneficiation strategy, would also be increasing its investments in renewable energy.

More than half of South Africa’s coal reserves reside in the Waterberg, where the geology is specific and presents challenges.

Both South Africa’s National Development Plan and the Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) under the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Committee include unlocking Waterberg coal and the related development of Lephalale as South Africa’s first postapartheid urban centre.

“We’ll be calling on government to do more to unlock the Waterberg going forward,” Mgojo said.

More than 200 000 t of Waterberg coal had been burnt at Mpumalanga power stations, with a view to Waterberg coal being used in existing power stations, which have traditionally burnt coal from the Mpumalanga coalfield.

Confidence in Exxaro’s operating Grootegeluk mine, in the Waterberg, has prompted the company’s further investments in coal that is exportable through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal.

The planning for raw water supply and alignment was now well advanced, with the major remaining constraints now being State-owned logistics company Transnet Freight Rail providing a service.

Environmental issues were being addressed in SIP 1 as a priority and an unambiguous way forward needed to be finalised for the benefit of all, Mgojo emphasised.