Coal mines in South Africa play an important role in the country’s economy, with 77% of all primary energy needs being provided for by coal.  South Africa also exports nearly one quarter of all coal, while coal mines in South Africa, and their direct supporting industries, employ roughly 55000 people.

According to Eskom, coal mines in South Africa produce 224 million tonnes per year. South Africa is the world’s seventh largest coal producer after China, USA, India, Australia, Indonesia and Russia. 31% of all coal mines in South Africa can be found in the central Highveld while Witbank and Ermelo feature 30% and 13, 8% respectively.