ENERGY
Matla Mine opening.
Exxaro opens New Mine 1 at Matla colliery - advancing energy security
Coal producer, Exxaro Resources, recently opened its New Mine 1 operation at its Matla Coal Mine in Mpumalanga, marking another milestone in the organisation’s growth strategy to sustain production, enhance operational efficiency, and support South Africa’s energy security pipeline. In 2016, the decision was taken to stop production at the old Mine 1 due to deteriorating safety pillars near the shaft infrastructure. This led to the development of the New Mine 1 project to safely access the remaining reserves and develop a life expansion pathway for Mine 1.
T he New Mine 1 forms part of the broader Matla Life of Mine Project (MLOMP), a long-term, R5.236 billion mega- investment project designed to provide safe and continued access to the remaining coal reserves, improve efficiency and ensure consistent delivery in line with the recently extended Coal Supply Agreement (CSA) with Eskom. As a cost-plus operation, Eskom is contractually responsible for funding the mine’s costs to ensure the lowest possible overall fuel cost. The New Mine 1, which is critical to the reliable operation of Matla
Power station will contribute approximately 4.2 million tonnes of coal annually, further underscoring Exxaro’s commitment to sustainable resource development and operational resilience in a challenging operating environment. Matla Coalmine employs 6174 employees, including contractors. Exxaro CEO, Ben Magara, said: “The New Mine 1 is far more than an operational milestone, for us it reflects Exxaro’s disciplined execution, long-term vision, and commitment to South Africa’s future. Our Matla Mine continues to play a
30 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | JULY 2026
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