Coal miner Kangra’s Udumo shaft, in Mpumalanga, is set for a significant production ramp-up, with output expected to rise from the current 40 000 t a month to about 105 000 t a month, by mid-2026.

Udumo is part of the Kusipongo coal resource, near Saul Mkhizeville, in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The expansion is part of a broader strategy to unlock the full potential of the Kusipongo coal reserve, which holds an estimated 41.9-million tonnes of coal and could extend the mine’s life span by more than 20 years, says Kangra GM Paul Redelinghuys.

The ramp-up at Udumo aligns with Kangra’s long-term growth plans, which include increasing underground operations from three to five mining sections in the coming years.

These expansions, he says, are expected to enhance resource extraction, improve operational efficiency and support continued economic contributions to the region.

Since restarting operations in 2021, Udumo has played a vital role in Kangra’s efforts to reach its yearly run-of-mine (RoM) production target of 1.4-million tonnes and further strengthen its contribution to the company’s overall output.

However, Redelinghuys notes that complex mining conditions, including dyke and dolerite intrusions and a mining depth exceeding 200 m, have posed challenges. To address these, Kangra has implemented strategic planning and support measures to ensure operational efficiency.

While Udumo is a key asset, its current output lags behind Kangra’s Uthingo shaft, which produces between 50 000 t and 55 000 t a month.

Kangra is working on infrastructure enhancements and additional ventilation districts to support increased production, while a third production section is set to be introduced in the fourth quarter of this year, allowing for a steady ramp-up to full capacity by mid-2026.

Redelinghuys says Udumo’s development has not only strengthened Kangra’s production capacity, but also contributed to job security in the region, currently supporting 211 employees and contractors.

Local Development

Beyond employment, Udumo’s development required extensive engagement with local stakeholders, with Redelinghuys pointing out that, in compliance with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resource’s regulations, families living within 500 m of the mine had to be relocated before operations could proceed.

Kangra reached agreements with local community forums and homeowners, ensuring the smooth relocation of affected families into newly built homes, equipped with water points and electricity connections.

To support Udumo’s growing production levels, Kangra has made significant infrastructure investments, such as establishing dedicated power and water systems, including a closed water reticulation system, to prevent environmental contamination. Sumps were also installed to channel water into the mine’s reticulation system for effective water management.

In terms of water management, Kangra ensures polluted water is collected in pollution control dams and repurposed for dust suppression and processing activities, while potable water is reserved exclusively for employee consumption.

Meanwhile, Kangra is advancing its T4 project – another underground resource within the Kusipongo reserve – which contains an estimated 15.69-million tonnes of coal and, which, once in operation, is expected to extend the mine’s life by more than 23 years and further strengthen Kangra’s production pipeline.

The company plans to mine this reserve using the board-and-pillar method with continuous miners and shuttle cars.

However, Redelinghuys notes that, before development can start, Kangra must secure the necessary mining rights and regulatory approvals.