While diversified mining major South32’s South Africa-based thermal coal expansion projects are yet to be approved, CEO Graham Kerr remains optimistic about developments at its South Africa Energy Coal operation, noting that both proposed expansion projects are progressing well into the feasibility study stage, with the Klipspruit life extension project about six months ahead of the Khutala expansion project. Addressing a global media contingent in a Perth-based conference call on Thursday, Kerr highlighted the company’s existing coal supply agreement with State-owned power utility Eskom, under which South32 would supply about 13.3-million tonnes to Eskom a year. He added that the company was in ongoing talks with Eskom to determine the best way forward in this regard.
