MC Mining begins openpit operations at Makhado hard coking coal project

MC Mining has commenced openpit mining at its flagship Makhado steelmaking hard coking coal project in Limpopo, marking a key milestone in the development of what is set to become a strategic domestic source of metallurgical coal.

The company confirmed that construction of the coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) is advancing on schedule, with commissioning targeted before the end of the year. Progress to date has been achieved under a clean health and safety record, with zero lost-time injuries since operations began in November 2024. MC Mining also highlighted full regulatory compliance and capital expenditure tracking in line with initial plans.

Mining contractor JCI Mining has fully mobilised at site, with boxcut development on schedule. Its fleet currently includes five loading excavators and 19 articulated dump trucks, supported by a workforce of 122. Meanwhile, coal plant contractor Enprotec, engaged under a build-own-operate-transfer model, has completed civil works and moved into structural steel erection, mechanical installations, and platework assembly.

Production target

Essential mine infrastructure such as bulk power and water supply, mine access roads and bridge, and dirty water containment systems are progressing in line with the project’s planned first coal production. Run-of-mine (RoM) output will initially come from the east pit, which spans a 5.5 km strike length and 400 m width.

Once steady-state production is achieved, the mine is expected to deliver four-million tonnes of RoM coal annually, translating into 880,000 tonnes per year of primary hard coking coal (HCC) product, over an initial 14-year life of the east pit. The subsequent development of central and west pits is forecast to extend the operation’s total life to 28 years. Initial sales will target South Africa’s domestic steel sector, where Makhado is positioned to benefit from a logistics cost advantage over imported coking coal.

“South Africa’s continued industrialisation relies on ventures like Makhado, which aim to support the country’s steel and metal fabrication master plan by reducing input costs,” said interim MD and CEO Christine He. “Cheaper HCC, alongside iron-ore, rail and electricity, are critical levers for producing competitive steel in a challenging global market.”