Twenty trainees, who had been carefully selected from over 100 applications, attended an intensive media training workshop in Sandton, Johannesburg where they heard from a wide spectrum of speakers about different aspects of the mining sector. Menar Academy brought together the mining experts and senior journalists to train for mining journalism.

Speaking during at the Joburg Indaba panel discussion on the topic of the ‘Outlook for Coal Mining and South Africa’s coal sector’, chairperson of mining investment company Menar, Mpumelelo Mkhabela, stated that: “What may be deemed just for Germany in terms of transition away from coal, may not be just for emerging countries such as South Africa and India.”

Menar chairperson Mpumelelo Mkhabela speaking during a panel on junior mining, in Sandton, said that: “…with hard work, dedication and great humility we are able to share our success story of evolving from a junior miner to a mid-tier producer that seeks to become a major player in the South African coal sector.”

Vuslat Bayoglu, the managing director of mining investment company Menar, has stressed the importance of reinvestment of income from existing operations to fund growth in light of the reluctance of South African commercial banks to fund coal-related investments.

Coal suppliers need to deal fairly with Eskom by seeking reasonable returns and not excessive profits. High input costs to power generation, including coal, ultimately cause higher electricity prices which is detrimental to South Africa's economy, said Menar MD Vuslat Bayoglu.