1 IntroductIon to south AfrIcAn coAl mInIng And explorAtIon
operations (40%), while stoping (4%) and longwall mining (3%) make up the balance. the importance of coal mining in south Africa Coal is South Africas most plentiful and cheapest source of energy. The coal has a low to moderate heat value and high ash content, but mining the coal is cheap when compared with the international industry.