Sasol launches destoning plant to improve coal quality, strengthen operational performance
Energy and chemicals group Sasol, on March 13, officially opened its new destoning plant, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance coal quality and drive improved operational performance.
The plant, which achieved beneficial operation in December, forms part of Sasol’s broader plan to strengthen, grow and transform the business.
Developed through the conversion of the Twistdraai export plant, the facility removes high-density stone from the run-of-mine coal sourced from the Thubelisha and Bosjesspruit mines.
By reducing ash and sinks before coal enters the gasification process, the plant helps improve syngas quality for Sasol’s synthetic fuels and chemicals value chain.
Since commissioning, the company says, the plant has contributed to a reduction in average sinks for the first quarter of this financial year to below 14%, supporting improved coal quality availability to Secunda Operations and helping to lift overall production for the quarter.
“This facility is a key commitment we made at Capital Markets Day in 2025, and it plays an important role in enhancing operational performance at Secunda Operations by enabling the processing of higher‑quality, destoned coal.
“It is pleasing to report that the plant is already delivering meaningful quality improvements, with average sinks levels to Secunda Operations trending downwards,” says Sasol president and CEO Simon Baloyi.
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