Sufficient energy availability and utilization lie at the core of not only the mining industry but
also the economic growth of South Africa. The mining industry is one of the major consumers of
electricity in South Africa; accounting for approximately 17.4 percent. The focal point of the
research project was on New Denmark Colliery; an Anglo American Thermal Coal operation
located in the Mpumalanga Province. The main objective of the research project was to analyse
energy consumption, economics and management at the mine. The study provides a
framework for understanding significant energy uses in a mining operation; electricity costs and
some of the mechanisms, tools and initiatives that can be used to manage energy optimally. This
provides the mining industry with a platform to become part of the energy solution in South Africa.