Coaltech Status

Current Projects

Mining

Organization:
Latona

Project M2024-1:

Guideline for Best Practice for Dust Sample Procedures

Start Date: April 2024
Planned Completion Date: March 2025

This project is in its Development stage, with most of the planning and research already completed. Latona has successfully established guidelines and is now focusing on implementing practical tests to ensure the best practices for dust sample procedures. Final reviews are underway, with completion expected soon. The remaining tasks include final stakeholder consultations and preparing the project for public dissemination.

Organization: Wits University

Project M2020-2:

Evaluation and Development of Coal Dust Explosibility Test Equipment

Start Date: January 2022 Planned Completion Date: December 2024

This project is nearing the end of its Development phase. Wits University has successfully evaluated coal dust explosibility and developed testing equipment that meets industry standards. The final steps include safety certifications and final performance assessments. The project will soon move into its Completion phase, where the equipment will be made available for industry use.

Organization:
CSIR

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Stress Field Mapping for Mine Safety

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: March 2026

Conduct stress field mapping using CCBO and DCDA to prevent ground falls and ensure worker safety in mining operations.

Organization: Wits University

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Blast Vibrations and Housing Safety

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: December 2027

Study the effects of blasting vibrations on nearby residential structures to promote safer blasting practices in mining areas.

Coal Processing

Organization:
Wits University

Project P2024-1:

Building Components from Coal Waste

Start Date: June 2024
Planned Completion Date: December 2025

This project is in the Development phase. Wits University is working on transforming coal waste into building materials. The team has made significant progress in material testing and is currently refining their production methods for practical application.

Organization:
CSIR

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Utilizing Coal Waste in Road Construction

Start Date: 01 July 2025
Planned Completion Date: June 2026

Assess the use of coal waste in road construction for sustainable infrastructure, reducing environmental impact, and supporting economic growth.

Organization:
CSIR

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Incorporation of Coal Waste into Asphalt Mixes

Start Date:
Planned Completion Date:

Organization:
University of Cape Town

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Washability of Coal Discards

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: March 2027

This project is in the Development phase. Recover usable coal and extract pyrite or sulfuric acid production, optimizing mining processes

Surface Environment

Organization:
University of Pretoria

Project E2024-1:

Irrigation of Natrophile Grass Species

Start Date: January 2024
Planned Completion Date: December 2026

This project is in the Research phase. The University of Pretoria is studying the irrigation needs and benefits of natrophile grass species in rehabilitated mining areas. The team is investigating optimal water usage strategies to improve plant growth in these regions.

Organization:
Mintek

Project E2024-2:

Biological Treatment of Brine Wastes

Start Date: April 2024
Planned Completion Date: March 2026

In the Development phase, Mintek is working on biological processes to treat brine waste from mining operations. The project has moved from lab tests to field applications, with positive early results showing reduced brine toxicity.

Organization:
TBA

Project E2023-5:

Mammal Diversity in Secondary Zones at Khwezela

Planned Completion Date: November 2024

This project is in the Research phase, focusing on mammal diversity in secondary zones of the Khwezela mining area. Researchers are conducting surveys and tracking mammal populations to assess the impact of mining on biodiversity.

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Project E2022-1:

Novel Materials for Continuous EFC Application

Start Date: January 2022
Planned Completion Date: December 2025

Currently in the Development phase, the University of Cape Town is testing novel materials for continuous EFC (Electrochemical Filtration Cell) applications in water treatment. Initial results indicate a promising potential for widespread application.

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Project E2020-4:

Carbon Capture & Energy Recovery with Algae

Start Date: January 2020
Planned Completion Date: December 2022

In the Development phase, the University of Cape Town is researching how algae can be used for carbon capture and energy recovery. The project has progressed from lab experiments to pilot tests, with ongoing analysis of the algae’s efficiency in capturing CO2.

Organization:
Terrasim

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Carbon farming model for rehabilitated land

Start Date:
Planned Completion Date:

Organization:
University of Pretoria

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Mine Water Irrigation for Agriculture

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: March 2028

Explore the use of treated mine water for irrigation, addressing water conservation and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Organization:
University of Cape Town

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Brine from Coal Processing as a Source of Battery Metals

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: March 2029

Investigate brines from coal processing as potential sources of battery metals, transforming waste streams into economic opportunities.

Organization:
CI Group

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Optimizing Coal Stockyard Management

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: December 2025

Improve coal stockyard management through better blending and storage, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing quality

Organization:
D.G. Paterson (Independant Consultant)

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Soil Health Handbook

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: December 2025

Develop a practical soil health handbook for mining professionals to promote sustainable soil management practices.

Future Technologies

At Coaltech, we’re always looking ahead to explore the next wave of innovation in the mining industry. Our Future Technologies section will highlight cutting-edge research and groundbreaking projects focused on revolutionizing mining practices. From renewable energy solutions and AI-powered mining technologies to sustainable resource management and advanced material sciences, these projects aim to create a more efficient, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced future for the mining sector.

Organization:
University of Pretoria

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Agrivoltaics for Rehabilitated Mine Land

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: June 2028

Integrate solar panels with crop/native plant cultivation on rehabilitated mine land, promoting energy generation, land restoration, and agricultural growth.

Organization:
Promethium Carbon

Emissions Management in the South African Coal Mining Industry

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: March 2026

Manage emissions in the coal mining industry, with a communication campaign to share outcomes widely for public awareness.

Organization:
University of South Africa

Extracting Rare Earth Elements from Coal Waste

Start Date: 01 April 2025
Planned Completion Date: March 2028

Extract rare earth elements from coal discards using ion exchange, turning mining by-products into valuable resources for advanced technologies.

Coaltech Status

Current Projects

Mining

Organization: Latona

Project M2024-1:

Organization: Wits University

Project M2020-2:

Organization: CSIR

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Organization: Wits University

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Coal Processing

Organization: Wits University

Project P2024-1:

Organization: CSIR

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Utilizing Coal Waste in Road Construction

Assess the use of coal waste in road construction for sustainable infrastructure, reducing environmental impact, and supporting economic growth.

Organization: CSIR

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Incorporation of Coal Waste into Asphalt Mixes

Organization: University of Cape Town

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Washability of Coal Discards

This project is in the Development phase. Recover usable coal and extract pyrite or sulfuric acid production, optimizing mining processes

Surface Environment

Organization: University of Pretoria

Project E2024-1:

Organization: Mintek

Project E2024-2:

Organization: TBA

Project E2023-5:

Organization: University of Cape Town

Project E2022-1:

Organization: University of Cape Town

Project E2020-4:

Organization: Terrasim

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Organization: University of Pretoria

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Organization: University of Cape Town

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Organization: CI Group

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Organization: D.G. Paterson (Independant Consultant)

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Future Technologies

Future Technologies

Organization: University of Pretoria

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Organization: Promethium Carbon

Organization: University of South Africa

Organization:
Latona

Organization:
CSIR

Organization:
Wits University

Organization:
CSIR

Organization:
CSIR

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Organization:
University of Pretoria

Organization:
Mintek

Organization:
TBA

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Organization:
Terrasim

Organization:
University of Pretoria

Organization:
University of Cape Town

Organization:
CI Group

Organization:
D.G. Paterson (Independant Consultant)

Organization:
University of Pretoria

Organization:
Promethium Carbon

Organization:
University of South Africa