Kangra fuels growth

Operations at Kangra’s Udumo shaft, where an additional section is being developed

Kangra is taking a significant leap forward by developing an additional section at its Udumo Shaft. The mine is investing an estimated R240 million into the project to procure equipment, including a brand-new continuous miner, shuttle cars, a roof bolter, and other implements. Kangra’s Engineering Manager, Mpumelelo Saliwa, says the project will create more jobs and increase output. “The new section is exciting, it speaks to growth and employment opportunities,” Mpumelelo says.

This new development increases the number of sections at the mine from three to four. The monthly production average across the three sections is 110,000 tonnes of run-of-mine (RoM) coal. With an additional section, monthly production will go up to an estimated 140,000 tonnes RoM of coal. The section will be mined using the board and pillar method. Mpumelelo anticipates that production will start in August 2025

This project will create an estimated 38 direct new jobs in engineering and mining. Other employment opportunities will be created indirectly as the mine will likely need additional coal haulers and trucks, among other services. “The moment you increase production, other areas will increase as well,” says Mpumelelo. He adds that Kangra started with the recruitment drive while the process of purchasing machinery is underway.

Once additional people have joined the team, the plan is to pair them with existing staff so they can get used to the systems on- site. “What is more exciting is that we are growing at a time when the coal industry is internationally placed under pressure, environmentally. I believe coal is here to stay as a baseload resource for power,” he concludes.