Research organisation Coaltech has announced an ambitious portfolio of projects for the 2025/26 financial year, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and industry transformation.

CEO Avhurengwi Nengovhela is confident that these initiatives show how research can unlock opportunities, repurpose resources and deliver tangible benefits for the environment, communities and the economy.

One standout initiative explores the use of agrivoltaics on rehabilitated mine land.

Led by the University of the Free State, this groundbreaking research combines solar energy generation with agricultural cultivation, transforming degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems.

“It’s a remarkable example of how mining can contribute to both environmental restoration and agricultural productivity,” Nengovhela says.

Another project, spearheaded by the University of South Africa, delves into the extraction of rare earth elements from coal waste. These elements, which are essential for advanced technologies, are typically overlooked in mining by-products. This research aims to ensure that no resource is wasted, turning discards into valuable opportunities.

In collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), researchers are repurposing coal waste for road construction, offering a sustainable solution to managing by-products while supporting infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is exploring the washability of coal discards, unlocking the potential to recover additional usable coal and extract pyrite for sulphuric acid production.

Water conservation and land use are key themes in a project led by the University of Pretoria, which examines how treated mine water can support agricultural irrigation.

This innovative approach addresses critical water resource challenges while contributing to food security.

Adding to the forward-thinking agenda, UCT is investigating how brine from coal processing can serve as a source of battery metals, linking mining by-products to renewable-energy technologies.

Coaltech’s safety-focused initiatives highlight its commitment to protecting workers and communities.

The CSIR is advancing research into stress field mapping in mines, using cutting-edge techniques to prevent falls of ground and enhance worker safety.

Complementing this, the University of the Witwatersrand is examining the impact of blast vibrations on residential structures near mining operations, guiding safer and more community-conscious practices.

Operational efficiency and sustainability are further strengthened by a project from the CI Group, which seeks to optimise coal stockyard management for improved blending and storage.

Additionally, independent consultant David Paterson is creating a soil health handbook to equip mining professionals with the tools needed for sustainable soil management.

These projects underscore the coal mining sector’s ability to innovate for environmental, social and economic benefits.

“From reimagining waste as a resource to prioritising safety and supporting communities, Coaltech’s 2025 research initiatives demonstrate that the sector is evolving to meet modern challenges with resilience and creativity.

“These projects are not just research; they represent a vision for the future of mining – one that is sustainable, innovative and inclusive,” Nengovhela concludes.