Processing plant crafted for premium coal production

The assembly of Gugulethu Colliery’s processing plant had advanced by the end of 2023

The Gugulethu Colliery’s processing plant is equipped to undertake the mammoth task that lies ahead to process an estimated 200 000 tonnes of coal per month. The plant’s capacity corresponds with Gugulethu’s projected mining output with the ability to wash up to 400 tonnes per hour. With the plant in place, the mine is well on its way to producing high quality coal, which is suitable for export markets.

It was initially stationed at Canyon Coal’s decommissioned Hakhano mine, in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, before it was dismantled, refurbished, and reconstructed in Gugulethu. Modifications done on the plant include adding a 40 tonne per hour filter press to process the slurry more efficiently, fitting it with a static pecker and redesigning the ROM tip. The upgrade also entailed replacing components like cables. The commissioning will unfold in two stages beginning with cold commissioning to assess whether all functions are in place and to balance the system. This will be followed by hot commissioning where the plant is run with coal and water.