Frictional Ignitions Potentials Map for South African Coal Mines

Tonnage estimates for the remaining low phosphorus resource could not be produced, because the phosphorus analyses supplied by mining companies did not state what had been measured. Distribution trends were still mapped. Coal at or below 0.010 per cent phosphorus is widespread in the Witbank Coalfield, restricted to the far northwestern Highveld, and follows a northwest to southeast band in eastern Ermelo.

Hydrogen for biological sulphate removal can be generated on site by electrolysis more cheaply than it can be bought. Stainless steel electrodes in acid mine drainage gave hydrogen at about a third of the bought in price while oxidising ferrous iron to ferric, which helps downstream treatment. Iron and zinc electrodes dissolved too quickly to be viable.

Fine coal was screened at small apertures while surface moisture stayed below about 5 per cent. Above that, fines adhered to the coarser particles and screening became very difficult. The dual vibrating polyurethane mats stopped blinding and clogging, so screening area stayed available, but the screen action still could not dislodge fines from very damp coal.