The Exxaro Leeuwpan Coal Mine is a major open-pit coal operation situated about 10 kilometers south-east of Delmas, in the Nkangala district of Mpumalanga, South Africa[2]. The mine began in 1992, after exploration of the original coal reserves started in 1989[1].
Leeuwpan is owned and operated by Exxaro Coal Mpumalanga Pty Ltd[2]. It is one of the key mines within the Delmas coalfield, lying on the western boundary of the larger Witbank coalfield. The geology of the area features coal seams in the middle Ecca group sediments of the Karoo supergroup. Two main coal seams are mined at Leeuwpan: the top coal (TC, correlating with S4/S5 seams) and the bottom coal (BC, correlating with S2 seams), with the bottom coal generally producing higher quality coal[6].
Operating as a conventional open-pit mine, Leeuwpan uses a modified terrace configuration, employing truck-and-shovel methods. Coal is processed through dense medium separation for specific coal seams, with crushing and screening technology also utilized to serve local power station markets[4].
The mine produces roughly 3 to 3.7 million tonnes of coal per annum and employs approximately 600 people (excluding contractors)[2][4]. Its primary domestic markets include the metals industry and the power generation sector, notably supplying Eskom and other local entities[4]. Leeuwpan’s coal reserve base stands at about 52.9 million tonnes, with broader resources estimated between 81 and 160 million tonnes depending on reporting source[1][2][4]. The life-of-mine study indicates there are about eight operational years remaining under current mine plans[3].
Historically, the mine area was developed by Iscor and Kumba (1988–2006) before Exxaro took over operations in 2006. Recent years saw significant expansion, including a major life extension project completed in 2021 that allowed for another seven years of operation and required relocation of local households and infrastructure[2]. Exxaro has also flagged the operation as a potential asset for divestment as part of its evolving business strategy[3].
Environmental considerations have been significant, as a 2019 report identified the Leeuwpan mine among regional operators failing to fully comply with water use licenses, which potentially threatens local water quality[2]. Nonetheless, Exxaro maintains that all required environmental and mining rights are in place, valid at least until 2039[3].