Coaltech Research

focus areas

Identify and prioritize research projects that enhance the efficiency,
productivity, and sustainability of coal processing operations, with a focus
on fine coal management, process efficiency, and waste utilization.
Collaborate with industry partners, technology providers, and research
institutions to develop and implement advanced coal processing solutions.
Provide technical guidance and oversight on the execution of research
projects, ensuring alignment with industry needs and Coaltech’s strategic
objectives.
Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice adoption across the South
African coal processing sector.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of research outcomes on coal processing
efficiency, product quality, waste reduction, and environmental
performance.

Identify and prioritize research projects that address key sustainability challenges
and opportunities in the coal mining and processing sectors, with a strong
emphasis on the just energy transition and its social, economic, and environmental
implications.
Collaborate with industry partners, government agencies, local communities,
educational institutions, and other stakeholders to develop and implement holistic
sustainability solutions that ensure an inclusive and equitable transition.
Provide strategic guidance and oversight on the execution of research projects,
ensuring alignment with industry needs, stakeholder expectations, and Coaltech’s
vision and mission.
Facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and best practice adoption on
sustainability and the just energy transition across the South African coal industry.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of research outcomes on the environmental,
social, and economic performance of the coal industry, as well as its contribution
to sustainable development goals and the just energy transition.

Human behavior related to technology, including the transition to
autonomous mining, issues of job creation and preservation, safety, and
unrest
Equipment monitoring, especially using RTIMS
Fragmentation, drilling, blasting, fine coal generation and control
technology, including overburden
Predictive safety technologies (RTIMS)
Roof control, geology & geotech underground
The cost of new technology for dust minimization
Remining of old workings
Drones for use in safety applications underground
Mining of dykes and burned coal underground

Identify and prioritize research projects that advance sustainable, safe, and
efficient mining practices, focusing on innovative technologies and human
factors.
Foster collaboration among mining companies, technology providers, and
research institutions to develop and implement cutting-edge mining
solutions.
Provide guidance and oversight on the execution of research projects,
ensuring alignment with industry needs and Coaltech’s strategic objectives.
Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice adoption across the South
African coal mining industry.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of research outcomes on mining
productivity, safety, sustainability, and workforce well-being.

Just Transition
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies
Emissions control and reduction strategies
Clean coal technologies: advanced coal processing, combustion, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
Alternative uses of coal
Renewable energy integration with existing coal infrastructure, including hybrid power systems, energy storage, and grid modernization
Coal to hydrogen production and utilization
Coal to chemicals (methanol, agrichemicals, etc.)
Rare earth elements and critical minerals extraction from coal and coal waste
Advanced materials from coal (carbon fiber, graphene, etc.)
Ammonia production from coal
Coal gasification technologies

Identify and prioritize research projects that explore innovative coal utilization pathways, value-added products, advanced technologies,
and digital solutions for sustainable coal use, with a focus on clean coal technologies and renewable energy integration.
Foster collaboration among industry partners, technology providers, research institutions, and stakeholders to develop and implement
novel solutions that support the transition to a low-carbon economy while leveraging the existing coal infrastructure and workforce.
Provide strategic guidance and oversight on the execution of research projects, ensuring alignment with industry needs, policy
frameworks, and Coaltech’s objectives.
Facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and collaboration on innovation, alternative uses of coal, and digital transformation
across the South African coal value chain.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of research outcomes on the competitiveness, environmental performance, and socio-economic
benefits of the coal industry in the context of the energy transition and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Foster skills development and capacity building in clean coal technologies, renewable energy integration, and digital technologies to
prepare the South African coal workforce for the future energy landscape.
Identify opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange with other industries and research organizations to drive
innovation and sustainable growth in the coal sector.