FutureCoal, an association that promotes education and responsible transformation in the coal sector, announced the creation of a section dedicated to Southern Africa, which will be led by Mike Teke, CEO of the Seriti Resources group. The initiative aims to promote the sustainable use of the mineral in the region, with Mozambique playing a strategic role given the size of its reserves, the news portal Engineering News reported on Friday 28 February .
According to the site, southern Africa has around 150 billion tonnes of coal reserves, concentrated mainly in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. With this new structure, FutureCoal aims to strengthen dialogue with governments and companies to ensure that coal remains a pillar of the regional economy, especially in the electricity, steel, fertiliser and cement sectors.
Mozambique stands out on the regional energy scene as one of the main exporters of coal, especially from the Moatize mine in Tete province. Despite the challenges associated with the energy transition and international pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuels, the country has invested in modernising its extraction and export infrastructures, seeking to balance economic development and environmental sustainability.
Mike Teke emphasised that the region’s vast coal resources should not be abandoned, but exploited responsibly. ‘We are nations blessed with a valuable resource and together we will be stronger. I call on more coal companies to join this alliance, promoting a realistic debate on coal inclusion,’ he said.
Mozambique among the priorities of FutureCoal’s new Southern Africa section
FutureCoal argues that sustainable coal management is feasible, emphasising that 99% of the technologies needed to reduce coal pollution are already available. Michelle Manook, the organisation’s CEO, added that the priority is not to eliminate the use of the mineral, but to ensure that each country in the region can define its own sustainability and growth strategy.
The creation of this regional section comes at a time when Mozambique is seeking to diversify its energy matrix, exploring renewable sources such as natural gas and solar energy, without neglecting the strategic role of coal in its economy. The country’s involvement in FutureCoal could represent an opportunity to strengthen its position in the energy sector, guaranteeing investments for cleaner and more efficient production.
With the new chapter of FutureCoal taking shape, a broader debate is expected on the future of coal in southern Africa, balancing economic growth and environmental commitments. Mozambique, as one of the main players in the region’s coal industry, will play a key role in this discussion.
