Reuters reported that South African diversified miner Exxaro has 4.5 billion tonnes of coal reserves in the Waterberg region to the north of the country where it planned further expansions.

Mr Ernst Venter executive general manager of Exxaro said in a presentation and tour of the group operations that "We estimate that we have 4.5 billion tonnes in the Waterberg."

Exxaro also said it would produce 25 million tonnes of coal per year by between 2015 to 2018 from a joint venture mines with Sasol the world top maker of motor fuel from coal to supply. Sasol proposed 80,000 barrels per day coal to liquids project.

Sasol plans to build the new project, named Mafutha in South Africa Limpopo province, which is known to have substantial coal reserves located in the Waterberg region.

Exxaro, the main coal supplier to South Africa utility Eskom also said it would deliver the first consignment of coal to the power firm Medupi power station which is currently under construction by October 2010.

(Sourced from Reuters)