Photos: tour to Phalanndwa mine, Delmas

Bordering the Gauteng and Mpumalanga border, Canyon Coal’s Phalanndwa Mine is nestled between Eskom’s Kendal and Kusile Power Stations, surrounded by other coal mines and tiny communities – about 10km from Delmas and in the heart of a coal rich region of the Highveld.

It was the site of a media tour on Wednesday, 6 September, where print, radio and broadcast journalists were invited to interact with GM Alan Mabbett and have a look around the mine – which at 120 000 t/m has been operating since October 2010.

GM Alan Mabbett, Weighbridge Manager Naas Neveling, and Security Manager Jan Kies started the tour with a brief explanation of safety and security protocols as coal is transported out the mine by trucks at the weighbridge.

GM Alan Mabbett takes questions from journalists during a tour of Phalanndwa Mine.

Phalanndwa produces coal that is sold on the local market (30%) and the export market (70%).

Journalists were shown coal samples and were explained the function of the on site laboratory.

Lab Supervisor Piet Motoang answers questions about coal quality analysis from journalists, as GM Alan Mabbett looks on.

Lab Supervisor Piet Motoang answers questions about coal quality analysis from journalists, as GM Alan Mabbett looks on.

Lab Supervisor Piet Motoang also explained different coal compositions and densities.

The Coal Wash Plant at Phalanndwa Mine, Delmas.

Phalanndwa colliery has been operating since October 2010 and has a remaining life span of seven years. Kusile Power Station can be seen in the distance.

The GM of Phalanndwa Mine, Alan Mabbett.

By Yaseen Gaffar