Coal as a strategic resource in South Africa
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Authors
Dikgwatlhe, Pule
Issue Date
2018-03-13
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Coal , strategic resource , South Africa , critical resource , energy , industrialisation
Alternative Title
Abstract
The higher price of oil and gas has positioned coal as the premium source of energy. This is likely to remain so as electricity demand is steadily rising.
Listed as a strategic resource to the South African economy, coal attracts approximately 20% of the workforce of the mining sector. The national beneficiation strategy intends to develop this mineral wealth to its full potential for the benefit of the population. This paper explores the implication of coal as a strategic resource and discusses whether this may benefit the South African economy. Supply, demand, and geopolitical factors are considered.
A framework for coal as a strategic resource is proposed while the need for clear differentiation between critical and strategic resources is highlighted. Concerns raised by investors in the mining industry are also discussed.
The proposed framework is expected to contribute towards planning for a secure future of coal. South Africa is rich in mineral resources, therefore, it is necessary to explore the future of coal as a strategic resource; and establish benefits and evaluate the impacts, including whether it will benefit the economy.
Description
Citation
Society of Mining Professors 6th Regional Conference 2018, Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, 12-13 March 2018
Publisher
Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) in collaboration with the Mining Engineering Education South Africa (MEESA) and The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM)