FRENCH oil company Total has taken control of Forzando coal mine in South Africa by purchasing shares in the mine from South Africa’s Anglovaal Minerals (Avmin), Total announced on Tuesday. Total previously had a 50% stake in Forzando. The mine has been operational since 1996, last year producing some 1,1-million tons of coal. Output is expected to reach 1,4-million tons this year and ultimately two million ton annually. Total already has a 50% stake in the Arthur Taylor Colliery in South Africa.