COAL
The strategic importance of transformation The shift from traditional coal usage to diversified, valueadded applications is becoming increasingly important for both economic and environmental reasons:
• Economic resilience: Diversified revenue streams reduce dependence on thermal coal exports.
• Environmental sustainability: Circular utilisation of coal-derived materials improves environmental performance.
• Regional competitiveness: Early adoption of advanced coal utilisation technologies can position SADC countries as global suppliers in critical growth industries.
“ The economic prize is real,” states Nengovhela.“ If the coal industries across SADC countries commit to these RD & I pathways, the benefits could be transformative.”
“ When the conversation around coal focuses solely on its environmental liabilities, there is a risk of overlooking its potential as a strategic carbon resource.”
A multi-stakeholder call to action Coaltech is calling on all stakeholders – coal producers, researchers, technology providers, consultants and environmental specialists – to collaborate in reshaping the industry. The organisation believes that the future of coal will be defined not by abandonment, but by transformation.
“ Players across the coal value chain … have an opportunity to drive this transformation,” says Nengovhela.“ Whether you’ re an equipment supplier, process developer, or environmental firm, your expertise can reshape coal’ s role in a low-carbon, resource-efficient future.”
Over the past 26 years, Coaltech has built a strong platform for innovation. It now invites new members and partners to join the company in scaling up these efforts and contributing to a more sustainable and economically resilient coal value chain.
“ The science exists. The expertise is here. The opportunity is now. Coal’ s future is not about abandoning it. It is about transforming it,” concludes Nengovhela. �
32 sabusinessintegrator. co. za