Exxaro Belfast, located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, stands as a prominent figure in the country’s mining industry. Positioned 55 km east of Middelburg and 20 km southwest of the town of Belfast, this opencast coal mine is strategically situated on the southern side of the N4 highway, within the renowned Witbank coalfield.
Overview of Exxaro Belfast Mine
Exxaro Belfast is part of Exxaro Resources, one of South Africa’s leading coal producers. The mine plays a significant role in the extraction of high-grade coal, which is a vital resource for South Africa’s energy and industrial sectors. It operates with four opencast pits, with the latest addition, Pit 4B, launched in 2021.
The mine is recognized for its advanced technology, boasting a digitally connected infrastructure that enhances its efficiency and productivity. Through remote monitoring, the maintenance teams at Belfast can track the performance of equipment and manage devices seamlessly, ensuring optimal operation. This innovative approach makes the mine one of the most digitally advanced in the country, aligning with Exxaro’s commitment to sustainability and technological integration in mining operations.
Coal Production and Export
Exxaro Belfast is known for producing both primary and secondary coal products. The primary output is A-grade coal, with a calorific value of 6,000 kcal/kg, making it suitable for both domestic and international markets. The secondary product is middling coal with a calorific value of 21.5 MJ/kg.
The mine’s coal is crucial to Exxaro’s RB1 export product, which is exported through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). With a combined production capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per annum, Exxaro Belfast has a projected life span of 17 years. The mine continues to contribute significantly to the South African economy, with coal being one of the country’s primary export commodities.
Resources and Reserves
Exxaro Belfast boasts a rich resource base. The mine has measured resources of 72 million tonnes and an additional 20 million tonnes of inferred resources. The proven reserves stand at 40 million tonnes, with an additional 2 million tonnes as probable reserves. The run-of-mine (ROM) coal production stands at 3 million tonnes, ensuring a steady supply to meet both local and international demands.
Sustainability and Technology Integration
One of the standout features of Exxaro Belfast is its commitment to environmental sustainability and digitalization. The mine utilizes state-of-the-art technology to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing its operational efficiency. Through the integration of digital systems, the Belfast maintenance teams can monitor and manage the mine’s performance remotely, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed swiftly and efficiently.
Contact Exxaro Belfast
For further inquiries, Exxaro Belfast is located at:
Exxaro Resources Contact Information
Phone: +27 12 307 5000
Address: 263B, West Avenue, Die Hoewes, Centurion, 0163, South Africa
If you suspect any fraudulent activities or unethical practices, Exxaro encourages the public to report them through their independent channels:
Fraud and Ethics Hotline
Phone: +27 800 203 579
Email: exxaro@tip-offs.com
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.