Johannesburg, 23 July 2025 – VBKOM recently participated in the insightful Coal and Energy Transition Day, hosted by Resources for Africa. This event brought together industry leaders and stakeholders for strategic discussions on the evolving landscape of coal and energy markets, highlighting both future opportunities and challenges.

Dr. Tsietsi Moremi, representing VBKOM, noted the depth of the discussions. A key takeaway from a panel with Dipak Patel of the South African Presidential Climate Commission was the global resistance to energy transition, particularly from the USA. However, the overarching message emphasized the inevitable shift towards sustainable transitions across all sectors, including energy and transport.

The African Context: Coal's Continued Role and Future Shift

In South Africa and across much of Africa, coal remains a significant energy source due to substantial deposits. Despite this, funding for new coal projects is decreasing. The focus is now firmly on technology and innovation, with increasing investment in renewable energy, hydrogen, and waste-to-energy systems. This signals a clear directive for the mining sector: align internal operations with future energy models.

Eskom's Nontokozo Hadebe, Group Executive for Strategy and Sustainability, shared how Eskom is actively improving maintenance on existing coal-fired power plants and returning older plants to service to combat loadshedding. Eskom is also expanding and modernizing its grid network to balance the energy supply mix, ultimately aiming to ramp down coal plants responsibly.

Key Challenges and VBKOM's Role

Panellists at the event highlighted several critical issues facing the sector:

• Logistics from pit to port
• Infrastructure challenges
• Power rates for various industries
• Energy storage solutions

These discussions underscore the complex environment in which mining operations must now navigate.

VBKOM is well-positioned to assist coal miners in addressing these challenges and transitioning effectively. Our insights from events like this continue to shape our tailored solutions and strategic guidance. As a trusted advisor, VBKOM is committed to empowering mining professionals with the knowledge and tools needed for long-term success.

We can support coal miners through:

• Mine Planning
• Production Scheduling
• Turnaround Strategies
• Mining Contractor Evaluations
• Financial Modelling
• Mining Work Programmes

VBKOM specialises in bespoke consulting services for the mining industry. We focus on strategic solutions and long-term partnerships, helping businesses navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth. Our multidisciplinary team delivers innovative insights and practical, client-centric solutions that align with each project's unique goals and operating environments.