Agenda

Wednesday, 29 January, 2025

16:00 pm

Early Registration

18:00 pm

Welcome Cocktail Reception (Available to sponsor)

Thursday, 30 January, 2025

7:30 am

Early Registration & Networking Breakfast (Available to sponsor)

9:00 am

Session 1 | Keynote Address & Featured Speakers

Top government and industry officials open the conference and share their insights on what the coal industry can expect in 2025 and beyond. A key focus will be on President Ramaphosa’s bold efforts to foster greater collaboration with industry, particularly with plans to open access to third-party participation in the key transport and electricity networks.

• Will this closer relationship with industry unlock new opportunities in the coal supply chain, while ensuring both economic growth and energy security?
• How will the mining sector respond and get involved?
• What other major policies and initiatives are in the pipeline to promote Southern Africa’s coal industry?

Keynote Speaker: Minister Of Mineral Resources & Petroleum Mr. Gwede Mantashe
Session Chair: John Howland, Senior Vice President, McCloskey by OPIS

9:45 am

Featured Speaker: Rudi Dicks, Head of Presidency’s Project Management Office
Session Chair: Randy Fabi, Africa Editor, McCloskey by OPIS

10:30 am

Featured Speaker– Dr Nombasa Tsengwa, President, Minerals Council
Session Chair: Randy Fabi, Africa Editor, McCloskey by OPIS

11:15 am

Networking Break | Sponsored by Afrintransit 

11:45 pm

Session 2 | South African Coal Leaders Discussion Panel

• With the power crisis seemingly over and the rail situation turning the corner, can Southern Africa’s coal industry expect brighter days ahead?
• How are coal companies responding to the uncertainties surrounding the global energy transition?
• Where are the next opportunities for the industry and how will they be financed?

Session Chair: James Stevenson, Executive Director, McCloskey by OPIS
Mike Teke, Group Chief Executive, Seriti Resources
Bernard Dalton, Executive: Head of Marketing, Thungela
Sakkie  Swanepoel, General Manager, Marketing and Logistics, Exxaro Coal (Pty) Ltd

12:45 pm

Networking Lunch | Sponsored by Afrintransit 

13:45 pm

Session 3 | South African Transport and Logistics

• What can we expect from Transnet in 2025?
• How will opening up access to third-party operators improve the rail situation?
• What is the outlook for trucking coal to ports, especially for exporters without RBCT allocation?

Session Chair: Randy Fabi, Africa Editor, McCloskey by OPIS
Bonginkosi Mabaso, Chief Commercial Officer, Transnet Freight Rail
Gavin Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, The Road Freight Association
Alan Waller, Chief Executive Officer, Richards Bay Coal Terminal
James Holley, Chief Executive Officer, Traxtion

15:15 pm

Networking Break (Available to sponsor)

15:45 pm

Session 4 | International Buyers Panel

• How are international coal markets evolving, as nation’s balance both energy security and energy transition issues?
• What are the geopolitical and economic risks that could significantly alter global coal demand?
• Who are the buyers of South African coal and what is their outlook for 2025?
• With India by far South Africa’s biggest export market, can we expect any major changes to the country’s buying patterns, especially from sponge iron producers?

Session Chair: James Stevenson, Executive Director, McCloskey by OPIS

17:15 pm

Closing Remarks/ Day 1 Concludes

18:30 pm

Offsite networking reception  | Sponsored by Ikwezi Mining 

Friday, 31 January, 2025

8:00 am

Registration and Networking Breakfast (Available to sponsor)

9:00 am

Session 5 | Keynote Address & Featured Speaker

• Is South Africa’s power crisis over?
• What are the government’s energy transition plans?
  
• Will Eskom need to extend the life of more coal-fired power plants to ensure energy security?
• As South Africa’s biggest coal consumer, what is Eskom’s generation strategy for the next decade?

Session Chair: John Howland, Senior Vice President, McCloskey by OPIS
Guest Speaker: TBD

9:45 am

Session Chair: Randy Fabi, Africa Editor, McCloskey by OPIS
Guest Speaker: TBD

10:30 am

Featured Speaker- Vuslat Bayoglu, Managing Director, Menar
Session Chair: Randy Fabi, Africa Editor, McCloskey by OPIS

11:00 am

Networking Break | Sponsored by Afrintransit 

11:30 am

Session 6 | Access to Finance and Mining Insurance

• Financing is drying up for the world’s coal producers. How will South African coal miners fund their future development?
• What options do emerging miners have for financing?
• Insurance is also becoming an issue for coal producers. What are the current challenges and how can they be resolved?

Session Chair: James Stevenson, Executive Director, McCloskey by OPIS
Thabiso Sekano, Head Mining & Metals, Industrial Development Corporation

12:15 pm

Session 7 | Outlook for South Africa’s Coal Industry

• How much coal does Eskom need, and how can the state utility help producers ensure future supplies?
• Mining and logistical costs in South Africa and around the world are rising. How are producers managing inflation?
• How competitive can South Africa be compared to other major coal producing countries?
• What other opportunities and challenges should coal producers be aware of in 2025? 

Session Chair: Randy Fabi, Africa Editor, McCloskey by OPIS
Zaheer Surka, Executive Director, Ikwezi Mining

12:30 pm

Closing Remarks/Conference Close