The Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), in collaboration with XMP Consulting and Gemecs is hosting the first ever Coal Mining Symposium on 5 September 2019 at the Middelburg Country Club. This event is proudly sponsored by Mbuyelo Coal (Pty) Ltd.

Situated in the heart of the Mpumalanga Coal Mining Industry, the Middelburg Chamber, representing more than 800 business members realize the important role of the coal mining and supporting industry on the local business community. Mpumalanga accounts for more than 80% of South Africa’s coal production, local and regional businesses are highly dependent on the coal mining sector.

The Middelburg Chamber organized this forum as an affordable event for the local mining and business community, whereby they get the opportunity to learn first-hand from some of the top experts in the coal mining industry on the latest developments and trends in the industry.

The purpose of the event is to discuss the Future of Coal and its economic impact in the region, which is of great concern to the region’s economic future. Three of the sectors that are driving Middelburg’s economy are coal mining, power generation, and manufacturing. The coal mining operations have an impact on power generation, and that in turn impacts manufacturing processes. It is essential for MCCI that all three sectors function optimally to ensure economic growth and job security for our region.

Coal mining and power generation are seen as national competencies. The area has, as discovered during our latest survey, approximately 182 mines in a 200 kilometre radius from Middelburg. MCCI is bringing the debate to our area to involve the local business in our future, as our community is directly affected by the global discussions, such as green energy, and environmental impacts. This conference is an excellent opportunity to discuss and network with local mining company’s representatives and expert consultants on the future of local coal mining.

Topics include: Coal Resources of South Africa, Clean Coal Technologies, Coal Marketing, Entrepreneurship in Coal Mining, Coal and Renewable economics, Coal mining and local development, Financing of coal projects, Junior coal miners, Coal trading and future demand of coal, Economic empowerment, Eskom’s coal procurement, Women in mining, Makoya Highveld resource terminal update.

Speakers include representation for the Department of Minerals and Energy, Eskom, Steve Tshwete local municipality, Executives of Junior and Mid-Tier Coal mining companies and consultants.