The Leeuwpan Coal Mine is a surface mine owned by Exxaro, located about 10 kilometers south-east of Delmas, Mpumalanga, South Africa. It is a conventional open-pit mine that uses modified terrace configurations and truck-and-shovel operations[1][7].
Coal from Leeuwpan is processed using jigging technology for the top coal layer (seam 4) and dense medium separation for the bottom coal layer (seam 2). The mine also uses crush and screen technology to supply coal to the power station markets. The principal domestic markets for its production are the metals and power-generating industries, which consume approximately 2.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of its run-of-mine coal. Leeuwpan produces a total of about 3.65 Mtpa of thermal coal, with a reserve base of 52.9 million tonnes and a total resource (inclusive) of about 128 million tonnes[1][5][7].
Geologically, Leeuwpan sits within the Delmas coalfield on the western border of the Witbank coalfield and contains up to five coal seams. The two primary seams mined are the top coal seam (corresponding with S4 and S5 in the region) and the bottom coal seam (S2), with the latter generally of higher quality. The coal seams are interbedded with sandstone, shale, and carbonaceous shale, and have been influenced by dolerite intrusions and underlying dolomite geology[5].
The mine has a significant operational history:
- 1988–2006: Owned by Iscor, with exploration starting in 1990 and first mining in 1992.
- 2006–2021: Operated by Exxaro, which conducted infill exploration and expanded operations.
Rights were ceded to Exxaro in 2006. The mine is adjacent to other mining operations, including Stuart Colliery and Delta Mining Company[3].
In 2020, Exxaro announced plans to sell Leeuwpan following a strategic review. It reported the sale to Overlooked Colliery, a black-owned mining entity, in 2021. However, by late 2022, Exxaro announced that the divestment process was withdrawn until further notice, and as of 2023, the mine remains owned by Exxaro Coal, a wholly owned subsidiary of Exxaro Resources[1].
Leeuwpan employs about 600 people (excluding contractors) and plays a critical role in supplying South Africa’s industries and power sector. Exxaro, headquartered in South Africa, is one of the country’s largest diversified resources companies, with operations throughout Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces[7].