Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
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While coal producers stand to benefit from stronger prices and export demand, researchers warn that increased coal production and exports carry significant environmental and social costs, from greenhouse gas emissions to the impacts borne by communities living near mines and coal-fired power stations. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
CLIMATE CHANGE

How the US-Israel-Iran conflict is reshaping South Africa’s coal exports

Middle East tension has pushed up energy prices and boosted demand for South African coal, raising questions about climate commitments and exports

  • Shaazia Ebrahim
6 min read
Former international relations minister Naledi Pandor said without confronting material complicity, the initiative risked becoming “pleasant, but ineffectual”. Photo: Hasina Kathrada
ARMS EMBARGO

At Hague Group meeting, frustration over failure of global institutions to constrain Israel’s conduct

Speakers described a system in which legal norms are applied selectively, allowing powerful states and their allies to evade accountability

  • Hasina Kathrada
7 min read
Exporting coal to Israel contradicts South Africa’s stance on that country’s genocide in Gaza.
AFRICAN RAINBOW MINERALS

Coal and South Africa’s complicity in the genocide in Gaza

Our exports to Israel contradict our anti-genocide stance, fuelling Israel’s war efforts

  • Imraan Buccus
6 min read
End of an era as Germany’s last black coal mine closes
AIR POLLUTION

End of an era as Germany’s last black coal mine closes

For the remaining 1 500 workers the final shift promises to be an emotional one, culminating in a ceremony to be attended by the president

  • Daphne Rousseau
4 min read
Glencore-Xstrata may have increased export capacity at the Richards Bay coal terminal.
COAL EXPORTS

Undisclosed agreement with Glencore sets Eskom at ease

Eskom’s sudden withdrawal of an objection to Glencore’s merger with Xstrata, since coming to an agreement with the company, has puzzled observers.

  • Staff Reporter
9 min read
Shipping coal from Botswana to South Africa to generate energy does not make financial sense.
COAL EXPORTS

SA plays power games with coal

President Jacob Zuma signed a bilateral energy agreement with Botswana President Ian Khama on August 31 to buy coal from that country.

  • Roman Grynberg
5 min read
South Africa’s coal exports have shot up since wage negotiations in the sector have raised the demand for the mineral. (Supplied)
BOTSWANA

A railroad to economic freedom

The decision to deliver coal deposits to either the Indian or Atlantic ocean has international implications, writes Roman Grynberg.

  • Roman Grynberg
6 min read
COAL EXPORTS

In the ANC’s crosshairs: New road map for coal producers

The ANC wants to ensure the state power utility’s future needs are met, but it has also acknowledged the need to move to other energy sources.

  • Lynley Donnelly
4 min read
ANGLO AMERICAN

‘Eskom could run out of domestic coal’

The regional strategy head of Anglo American has said Eskom could run out of domestic coal in the long term if there is no infrastructure development.

  • Staff Reporter
1 min read
CHINA

China reselling SA coal into Europe

At least four cargoes of South African coal were sold back to the original sellers by Chinese buyers during the past month, all coming from Europe.

  • Jackie Cowhig
2 min read