As South Africa accelerates its climate change response, a major new initiative led by Coaltech is setting the stage for the country’s coal mining sector to play a more transparent, accountable, and constructive role in the low-carbon emissions future.
With support from key industry players, the initiative will develop the country’s first sector-wide framework for managing and reporting Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in coal mining. It’s a decisive step that aligns South Africa’s largest coal energy producers with international sustainability standards while supporting national goals under the Climate Change Bill, the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), and South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The project is driven by Coaltech’s Future Technologies Steering Committee (Steercom) and marks a shift from intent to action. By documenting industry progress, showcasing emissions-reduction innovations, and identifying opportunities for improvement, it aims to position the coal sector as an active participant in building a climate-resilient economy.
“South Africa’s climate response must be bold, inclusive and informed by reality. Coal remains deeply embedded in our economy, our grid, and our communities. This initiative is about enabling progress by equipping the industry with credible data, aligned standards and a shared commitment to responsible environmental management while balancing the social and economic needs of the country,” said Avhurengwi Nengovhela, CEO of Coaltech.
“This project represents a real turning point,” said Festus Leteane, Chairperson of the Future Technologies Steercom. “It shows that the coal industry is not just reacting to climate expectations – it’s helping to shape the future with science, collaboration, and a readiness to evolve.”
The initiative is supported by a consortium of the country’s leading coal producers, consumers, and industry associations – representing a significant share of South Africa’s coal value chain. This collective backing reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability within the sector. The project arrives at a critical juncture: with mounting pressure on fossil fuel industries, declining global coal finance, and increasing investor demand for ESG transparency, South Africa’s coal sector faces a rapidly changing future, one it intends to lead and not just follow the narrative that is driven by external interest groups. Through this initiative, the industry is laying the groundwork for its social licence to operate in a climate-conscious world – anchored by data, transparency, and collaboration.
Coaltech Research Association is a voluntary collaborative non-profit organisation that addresses the research needs of South Africa’s coal industry. Established with the primary goal of developing technologies and applying research findings, Coaltech aims to make the South African coal industry competitive, sustainable, and safe. The organisation brings together mining groups, researchers, academics, and government stakeholders to foster collaboration and innovation in the coal sector.
